Guide to occupational therapy driver assessment
Sometimes impairments associated with medical conditions, injuries and disabilities can influence how well you drive.
Medical Review may at any time ask you to have an occupational therapy driver assessment to show that you can drive safely. Even if you're an experienced driver, you may be asked to have this assessment.
An assessment may be necessary because:
- you have a medical condition(s) or disability and would like to know if you're able to obtain or retain a driver licence
- a physical injury, head injury, illness, disability, stroke, psychiatric condition or medication may have affected your ability to drive safely
- your physical skills or thinking abilities, such as your memory or speed of thinking, may have changed since you first obtained your licence
- some people require an assessment because they are subject to ongoing reviews to monitor a deteriorating medical condition
- people who have failed an on-road test for an unconditional licence may be eligible to be retested for a conditional licence.
We're required by law to assess your fitness to drive using the assessing fitness to drive guidelines. These guidelines outline the medical requirements needed to drive in Australia, and are based on expert medical opinion and research.
The role of occupational therapists
Occupational therapists (OT) are health professionals who assist people with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities to resume normal daily activities.
Some OTs have additional qualifications, which allow them to help their clients either obtain a driver licence or maintain their ability to drive safely.
Victorian law allows a registered occupational therapist to conduct a driver assessment. OTs, like doctors or optometrists, are independent specialists working in the field of health care.
They don't work for and aren't paid by Medical Review or the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and should be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - also known as Ahpra.
Arranging an assessment
We'll contact you and provide a list of registered occupational therapy driver assessors. Your chosen OT will then arrange an assessment.
Alternatively, if you no longer wish to continue driving, you can advise us in writing and enclose your driver licence/learner permit card. You may also request a refund of any unused part of your driver licence fee (not applicable for learner permits).
Can I choose an OT?
Yes. Use our list of registered occupational therapy driver assessors to find an OT in your area. You could also contact your local hospital, medical centre or community health centre.
Note: We don't endorse or approve any of the OTs included on the list.
How much will it cost?
Costs may vary depending on factors such as how long the assessment takes and costs associated with driving instructors.
In some cases, assessments may be partly or fully paid by an insurance scheme (e.g. TAC, WorkSafe) or through rehabilitation services. Please be aware that the cost of the assessment isn't covered by us or Medicare
OTs are independent health practitioners who set their own fees so you should discuss costs with your assessor before your assessment. DTP has no discretion over fees charged by OTs.
What do I need to bring?
- Your driver licence or learner permit card.
- Your corrective lenses and/or hearing aids if you wear them for reading or driving.
- Any cushions, back supports or other equipment you need to use to drive.
- A list of all the medicines you take.
- Payment for the assessment (if necessary and as arranged by the occupational therapist).
- Any relevant correspondence from Medical Review.
What does the assessment involve?
1. Medical assessment
You'll be asked to provide a current fitness to drive medical and/or eyesight report from your own doctor or specialist.
Note: Medical standards for commercial truck, taxi and bus licences are stricter than those for private licences.
2. Driver assessment
The occupational therapy driver assessment is in two parts:
- an off-road assessment
- an on-road test.
Off‑road assessment
The OT will ask you about your driving and medical history, test your understanding of road law, and assess your physical, visual, sensory and thinking abilities.
This assessment evaluates your functional limitations, your understanding of safe driving, the need for vehicle modifications or licence conditions, and determines the requirements for your
on‑road test, e.g.:
- vehicle type (e.g. automatic or manual)
- any vehicle modifications
- where the test should be conducted.
If you have any specific driving needs you should mention them before your assessment commences.
On‑road assessment
The test will occur in a dual controlled car with a driving instructor and the occupational therapist.
The instructor maintains the safety of the vehicle and provides directions. It will take about an hour and a half (of which up to one hour will involve driving).
Many aspects of driving are assessed including:
- physical limitations
- judgement and ability to adjust to traffic situations
- reacting appropriately to traffic
- abiding with road laws
- completing driving tasks despite distractions (e.g. conversations in the car).
If vehicle modifications are required (e.g. steering aid, left foot accelerator), the equipment is fitted and driving lessons may be required to ensure you can safely use modifications.
Assessment outcomes
If you pass your assessment, you may be able to resume driving:
- unconditionally (retain full privileges) or
- with modifications to your car, and/or
- with restrictions or conditions to your driving.
If you can show that you can drive safely, but only under certain conditions, a conditional licence may be considered. A wide range of conditions are possible.
Driving conditions are aimed at maximising your safety and that of other road users. They include wearing corrective lenses, driving automatic vehicles or a specially modified vehicle, driving in daylight hours only or in certain areas.
We'll consider the results of this assessment alongside other medical reports we may have received to make the final decision regarding your licence status.
If you're found unsafe to drive:
- you may be asked to take driving lessons to improve your skills or to familiarise yourself with vehicle modifications. You may be required to have another on-road test after you have completed these lessons
- you may be asked to wait for further recovery or improvement to occur
- you may be found not safe to continue or to resume driving or in time.
What if I hold a heavy vehicle or motorcycle licence?
Passing an assessment in a car doesn't mean that you're automatically allowed to drive a heavy vehicle or ride a motorcycle.
This is because the standard required for heavy vehicles is more stringent, and different skills are required to ride a motorcycle.
We'll let you know if a separate heavy vehicle and/or motorcycle assessment is required.
Questions about how the assessment was conducted or the recommendations?
In the first instance, review this page. Then, if required, contact the OT who assessed you to discuss any concerns.
If you are still not sure about the assessment or medical review process, contact Medical Review (contact details are below).
Licence variations, suspension or cancellation
We may suspend or cancel your licence, or may not be able to issue you with a licence because your driving is found to be unsafe.
To be reconsidered as 'fit to drive', you'll need to have another assessment. The assessor will make a recommendation to us and we'll make a decision regarding your licence.
You may also need to provide another medical fitness to drive report.
Challenging the decision
If you disagree with the test outcome you may request an independent assessment by another registered occupational therapy driver assessor.
You can write to DTP and ask for an internal review of any decision. An independent person will review the decision and reply to you within 28 days.
You may also have the right to appeal to the Magistrates’ Court if DTP has made a discretionary decision to cancel, suspend or vary you driver licence or learner permit.
It's important for you to know that there is no right to appeal to the Magistrates Court if our decision to cancel, suspend or vary your driver licence or learner permit is a mandatory decision, made under section 24(1) of the Road Safety Act 1986.
Keep in mind that if you lose an appeal at the Magistrates’ Court, you may have to pay costs.
Contact Medical Review
Email: [email protected]
Call: (03) 8391 3226
Mail: Medical Review
GPO Box 2392
Melbourne Victoria 3001
Download a PDF of this page: guide to occpational therapy driving assessment (PDF).