OT Driving Assessments in Brisbane
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment
An occupational therapy driving assessment evaluates a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Our occupational therapy driving assessors consider the physical, cognitive, visual and perceptual factors that may affect driving performance, then set out clear recommendations in a written report for your doctor, licensing authority or insurer.
Assessments are conducted across two parts: an off-road assessment in a clinical setting, and an on-road drive with an accredited driving instructor and your occupational therapy driving assessor present. We assess drivers throughout Brisbane and surrounds, generally within about one hour of the Brisbane CBD. Locations outside of this can be discussed with the Principal OT.
Assessments can be arranged for:
- Private clients
- Funded clients, including NDIS participants
- Compulsory Third Party insurance matters
- Solicitor and insurer instructed assessments
Our driving assessments are independently conducted and are not affiliated with the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Where required, reports can be provided to support decision making by relevant stakeholders.
Who needs a driving assessment?
Drivers aged 75 and over
In Queensland, drivers aged 75 and over must carry a current medical certificate when driving, issued by their doctor. If your doctor or the Department of Transport and Main Roads would like more information about your practical driving ability, an occupational therapy driving assessment can be arranged. The assessment does not replace your medical certificate and we do not issue or renew licences.
Learner drivers
For learner drivers with a disability or medical condition, a pre-learner assessment can identify readiness to begin lessons and whether any vehicle modifications or adaptations should be in place first. This can save considerable time and cost before lessons begin.
Drivers with a medical condition or injury
We assess drivers aged 16 and over living with a medical condition, disability or injury that may affect driving. This includes people returning to driving after a stroke, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury cardiac event or surgery, and people living with a neurological, cognitive or neurodegenerative condition. Assessments are conducted with reference to the national Austroads standard, Assessing Fitness to Drive.
Drivers who may need vehicle modifications
Where driving assistive technology or vehicle modifications are recommended, we arrange trials of the equipment, obtain quotes for installation, and document the recommendation for your funder. This may include hand controls, left foot accelerators, steering aids, and passenger access modifications.
The Process
Step 01
Forms
All drivers must have the following documentation prior to driving assessment:
- GP or medical specialist medical clearance
- Vision screening from an optometrist
- Completed Phase One referral form
- See Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive for more information
Step 02
Upload Documents
Once you have completed your forms, please send the following to admin@phaseonetherapy.com.au:
- GP or medical specialist clearance
- Vision screening from an optometrist
- Current Driver’s licence
- Any relevant documents, for example allied health reports, discharge summaries or medical reports
Step 03
Book your first appointment
We will be in contact with you to schedule your first appointment and a service agreement will be sent to you. Please sign and return it to admin@phaseonetherapy.com.au. Booking an appointment can take a few days to organise as the appointment needs to be coordinated with the OT and driving instructor.
Step 04
Assessment
It is time for your OT driving assessment. You will complete the following:
- An off-road, functional assessment with your OT driving assessor, and
- An on-road assessment with a driving instructor and OT driving assessor.
These assessments may be combined or separate appointments, depending on driving instructor and OT availability. Please allow 3.5 hours for the total assessment.
Step 05
What comes next?
Your OT driving assessor will complete an assessment report and send it to all relevant stakeholders, setting out the outcome of the assessment and any recommendations. If vehicle modifications are recommended, these will be trialled and quotes obtained for installation. We will talk you through the report before it is submitted, so nothing in it comes as a surprise.
What the assessment can recommend
An occupational therapy driving assessment is not a pass or fail test. Depending on what we observe, a report may recommend:
- Continuing to drive without restriction
- Continuing to drive with conditions, for example daytime driving only or within a set radius
- Vehicle modifications or driving assistive technology, with a trial and quote
- A period of driving lessons or rehabilitation before reassessment
- Reassessment after a defined interval
- Retiring from driving, with support to plan alternative transport
The final licensing decision rests with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, not with Phase One Therapy. Our role is to provide an independent, evidence-based report.
Allow approximately 3.5 hours in total. This covers the off-road functional assessment and the on-road drive, which may be booked as one appointment or two depending on driving instructor and OT availability.
Fees depend on the type of assessment, the reason for referral and whether vehicle modification trials are required. Assessments can be privately funded, funded through an NDIS plan, or paid for by an insurer or solicitor.
You do not need a referral to contact us, but you will need GP or medical specialist medical clearance and a vision screening before the assessment can go ahead. We will let you know exactly what is required for your situation.
An occupational therapy driving assessment is not a pass or fail test, and we do not make licensing decisions. Our role is to assess your driving objectively and provide a report with recommendations. Any decision about your licence is made by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Not automatically. Queensland drivers aged 75 and over must carry a current medical certificate issued by their doctor. Your doctor or the Department of Transport and Main Roads may request an occupational therapy driving assessment if more information about your practical driving is needed.
The on-road assessment is conducted with an accredited driving instructor in a dual pedal car You cannot drive your own vehicle due to safety reasons.
We assess drivers throughout Brisbane and surrounds, generally within about one hour or 100km of the Brisbane CBD, which includes the Gold Coast. Other locations can be arranged with the Principal OT.
Book your driving assessment
Book a complimentary 15-minute call to talk through your situation and what the assessment involves, or send us a referral to get started. For more detail on the assessment itself, see our Driving FAQ page.