Driving Assessments
Driving Assessment Advice & Information
In today’s fast changing world, transport and driving plays its own important role as part of that continual change. Driving enhances a person’s mobility, independence and confidence, contributing to an improved quality of life, providing a means to access necessary services, social interaction with friends, family and community. As a result of our expanding towns and cities, driving has become an instrumental activity of daily living ( I A D L ).
As Ireland has experienced a dramatic increase in road traffic, an increase in driving pace, and road infrastructural changes has occurred, hence there has been an increase on the skills required for driving.
For a person experiencing any age related difficulties, diagnosed with a disability / illness, a driving assessment may be required to examine a person's physical and/or cognitive ability to drive a vehicle in safety and comfort, furthermore we can offer advice on aids and adaptations that may assist them in driving.
A driving assessment comprises of two parts. The in-car off-road assessment and the in-car on-road driving ability assessment.
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In-Car Off-Road Assessment
An in-car, off-road driving assessment examines a person’s physical mobility and strengths. This part of the assessment will determine what adaptive driving equipment and /or suitable aids or indeed particular vehicle may suit one's requirements in order to drive in safety and comfort.
Physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, limb paralysis, reduced mobility and strength, being an amputee, etc. may not prevent one from driving. Where previously a physical disability prevented one from driving, today’s assistive technology for drivers provides opportunities for most people with disabilities to drive.
The in-car assessment may be followed by an on-road drive and sometimes a driver rehabilitation course to enable the client to familiarise himself/herself with the use of adaptations or any new technique of driving.
(see Driving Courses for anyone beginning to drive)
Temporary disabilities such as a broken leg or arm including any supports or plaster casts can cause difficulty/danger when driving.
An assessment will provide one with his/her most suitable options, improving independence and mobility during their time of recovery.
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In- Car On-Road Driving Ability Assessment
This in car on-road driving ability assessment observes memory pertaining to driving, co-ordination and sequencing, speed of processing, spatial awareness, attention, perception of environment, anticipation and reaction to other road users, specific behaviour, topographical orientation, judgment of speed and distances, fatigue, to mention a few.
An on-road driving ability assessment may also be requested where one may be demonstrating driving difficulties prior to any diagnosis.
Cognition is the act of knowing including attention, creativity, memory, perception, problem solving, behaviour, co-ordinating and sequencing.
Perception is the means by which we organise and interpret incoming information by what we see, feel, hear etc. It includes visual perception, distance, motion, shape/size, figure ground, constancy.
Medical conditions that may impair a person’s cognition/perception such as a head injury, stroke, encephalitis, etc. may require an on-road driving ability assessment to decide its effects on one’s ability to drive safely.
Progressive disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, parkinson’s, dementia, etc. may require an on-road driving ability assessment, but require further revaluation as changes occur.
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Driving Ability Assessment Information / Procedure
“Client” refers to the person who is being assessed, and “advisor” to the person who is conducting the assessment.
Each client is treated as a person who can drive until there is evidence to suggest that there would be significant risk to him/her and others by their continuing to drive. Every effort is made to afford the client the opportunity to return/continue to be independently mobile through driving. An assessment should never be a threat but perceived as a supportive course of action acting in the best interest of everyone involved.
REFERRALS
Referrals to this service can be by telephone or in writing. However it is in everyone’s best interest that as much information as possible is forwarded to us on referral. This may include psychological tests, cognitive/perceptual screening, static simulator test results, eyesight examinations, medical history, driving history, concerns, observations etc. Confidentially will be maintained. Any forwarding information will not discriminate, nor prejudice procedures or opinions.
LOCATION
Having received a referral the driving advisor will make contact with the client to arrange an appointment at their convenience. Most appointments, if suitable to both parties can begin from the clients address, so as to enable them to drive on their preferred familiar routes. Where a client has to travel to an arranged location the on-road drive will consist of suitable types of routes similar to their regular journeys.
INTERVIEW
The opening session of a driving ability assessment is the interview. The interview is an informal “chat” gathering necessary history and facts, and details of driving history. Questions are asked to establish whether the client understands why they are having an assessment and what they hope to gain from it. Having established this it is intended that both advisor and client are working towards the same goal, and it is with this rapport the most relaxed, complete, accurate and objective assessment can be achieved.
Visual acuity and peripheral fields of vision are checked using the “Number Plate” test and the “Pen & Fingers” test.
SUPPORT
The client has the choice to avail of a friend/relative or any third party to accompany them at their request for part or whole of the assessment. This often provides valuable support and /or information, or may act as an interpreter for the client.
SAFETY
This on-road assessment is to determine whether one’s difficulties affects their ability to drive safely, and not necessarily that one is driving at driving test standard. A person demonstrating any habitual style driving not affecting safety will not be recorded. Any driving errors that have, or have the potential to, affect safety are identified and a verbal debrief is offered to determine if the client can correct these errors.
VEHICLE
The clients own vehicle can be used for the assessment. The client must be insured to drive the vehicle and the vehicle must display the necessary valid legal discs, i.e.. motor tax , insurance and NCT discs etc. Alternatively an automatic/semiautomatic, adapted, dual controlled car can be supplied. Additionally at extra cost to the client a manual driving school car can be arranged for the assessment.
DURATION
The duration of the drive is approximately sixty to ninety minutes and the total amount of time allocated for an individual assessment is approximately 2½ hours.
FATIGUE/STRESS
During the on-road drive, if the client is feeling stressed or tired they may take a break, before completing the drive. If the client is over stressed causing them to make increasing errors they may reschedule the assessment if preferred.
FOLLOW UP
On completion of the assessment, the conclusions and recommendations are discussed with the client, followed by a written report within ten working days. Where driving errors and specific notes are recorded on a detailed graded “score sheet” system, this separate report is available on special request.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Some recommendations of an on-road driving ability assessment may be cessation of driving, restricted driving, a driver rehabilitation course, a revaluation where an illness may be progressive, discontinuation of driving following a revaluation on improvement of medical status.
COST
The fee for this service is currently €130.00 and a receipt is issued on payment. Reimbursement for this fee is currently not available from health insurance companies.
LARGE VEHICLES / WORK VEHICLES
On-road driving ability assessments are also conducted in heavy goods vehicles including articulated vehicles, buses, and work vehicles with passenger accommodation provided. However these specialised assessments require a more detailed procedure, extended driving time and the vehicle must be supplied by the client.
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Driving Assessment Companies/Associations In Ireland
There are four main companies/organisations in Ireland providing driver assessments. Services provided and costs may vary.
Southern Mobility Assessment & Tuition Specialists:
Tomás O Callaghan.
Tomaro, Lisnahorna, Whitescross, Co. Cork.
Tel: 021 4398527 or Mobile 087 9304335
www.southernmobility.ie
Transport & Mobility Consultants Ireland:
Ardtullagh Lodge, 19 Glenmalure Golf Club,
Greenane, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.
Tony Regan, MCILT Director.
Tel: 0404 43854
Mobile 087 263 5025
www.transportandmobility.ie
Disabled Drivers Association Of Ireland:
Ballindine, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
Tel 094 9364054
www.ddai.ie
Irish Wheelchair Association:
Mobility Centre, Clane, Co. Kildare.
Tel 045 893094
www.iwa.ie
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Pre Driving Skills Assessment Services
Driving programmes operate in some hospitals throughout Ireland involving occupational therapy departments. However programmes vary and some are still in the early development stages. Check your local hospital for details of driving assessment services available in your area.
Department of Occupational Therapy Cork University Hospital Group and Bantry General Hospital provide a driving assessment programme. The assessment consists of three parts.
Part one consists of an interview to discuss medical history, driving history and future driving needs. Followed by physical range of movements and strengths required for driving.
Part two consists of an assessment of cognitive and perceptual abilities, including vision.
Part three, one is referred for an on-road driving ability assessment. This on-road drive examines your ability to drive in safety and comfort in live traffic situations, on or similar, to your regular routes. It includes the use of the car controls, safe road positioning, interaction and reaction to the road and traffic environment.
Further Information available from:
Mr. Rabi Panda, Senior Occupational Therapist, Cork University Hospital. 021 – 4922402.
Ms. Maureen Johnson, Senior Occupational Therapist, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas, Cork. 021 – 4923156.
Ms. Cindy Bennett, Bantry General Hospital, Bantry, Co. Cork. 027 501 33.
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For in-patients only, The National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoighre, Co. Dublin, Occupational Therapy Department conduct pre driving assessments consisting of physical range of movements and strengths, cognitive and perceptual screening, eyesight testing, and on completion refer for an on-road evaluation.
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Pre-Driving Skills Assessments services consisting of physical range of movements and strengths, cognitive and visual perceptual screening, and on completion refer for an on-road evaluation, are available in
(1) Laois/Offaly area by contacting Sherrie Buckley.
(2) Longford/Westmeath area by contacting Christine Linscott.
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Legal Requirements
At present in Ireland, anyone diagnosed with a disability/illness or medical condition that may affect their ability to drive safely, require permission from a registered medical practitioner before beginning/returning/continuing to drive.
However, more medical practitioners and health professionals are recommending a multi-tiered assessment including cognitive/perceptual screening and an on road evaluation to provide a more comprehensive, objective procedure.
Additionally a booklet guide for registered medical practitioners of medical aspects of driver licensing is available by contacting The Road Safety Authority, licencing section, Gov. Offices, Mayo, by phoning 096 78 288. However, the Road Safety Authority are presently reviewing the whole area of Fitness to Drive (2009) and the present guidelines are due to be replaced.
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