Driver Assessment Program
The Driver Assessment Program at Spauldling Cape Cod is the only program in Massachusetts comprised of a team of professionals which includes:
- Occupational Therapist who is also a driving rehabilitation specialist and certified professional driving instructor
- Social Worker
- Consulting Physician
Spaulding's Driver Assessment Program is designed to work with individuals whose driving ability may have been compromised by illness, injury or the normal again process. The program may involve working with family members, caregivers, therapists and physicians -- whatever is in the best interest of the driver and the community.
The goal of our program is to promote independence while ensuring the safety of the individual and the community.
Who benefits from an evaluation?
Older drivers and/or patients with clinical diagnoses such as Dementia, Stroke, Brain Injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Neuropathy, Cardiac disease, Arthritis and Amputation.
Must you have an evaluation?
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) policy states that "If a licensee has a medical condition which he or she believes may affect his or her ability to operate a motor vehicle, he or she must report such condition to the Registrar and refrain from operating a motor vehicle until the condition is resolved."
Spaulding's Driver Assessment Team helps individuals determine if the condition affects their ability to operate a motor vehicle, or if it has been resolved. In some cases, a primary care physician may request that an individual be evaluated before giving approval to drive.
What can you expect?
Clinical Evaluation: Visual, physical and cognitive abilities needed for driving are assessed using standardized, evidence-based tests. The clinical evaluation is a determining factor in scheduling an on-road driving performance evaluation.
On-road Evaluation: If recommended, an assessment of driving performance occurs on a separate day from the clinical evaluation. The on-road evaluation is performed by the Occupational Therapist and Driving Instructor in a vehicle equipped with an instructor's brake to keep occupants safe at all times.
The on-road evaluation helps to identify if the individual is ready to return to driving. The Driver Assessment Team can provide education about compensatory strategies that will help him or her remain safe on the road; training on adaptive equipment is provided as well. Or, if it's time to retire from driving, Spaulding's Team will help you explore options for alternate transportation.
Both the clinical and on-road evaluations as well as subsequent discussions of results take approximately 90 minutes each. A summary of the results, with formal recommendations, is sent to the referring doctor and, when appropriate, the MassDOT/RMV.
When does Spaulding report to the MassDOT/RMV?
In cases where the driver may pose a risk to themselves or the community, we will notify the MassDOT/RMV.
Is the Program covered by insurance?
The Driving Assessment Program is a self-pay program, generally not covered by insurance. Occasionally, Workers Comensation funds are utilized; or, if a driver requires transporation to work, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) may be available. For more information, visit www.massgov.org.
What does the Program cost?
The cost of Spaulding's Driving Assessment Program varies depending on the extent of services provided. The cost of an initial clinical evaluation is $225; the on-road evaluation is $260 (slightly more if conducted east of Yarmouth). If adaptive equipment is needed, the Central Massachusetts Safety Council provides the assessment and training in conjunction with the Occupational Therapist.; in such cases, fees may vary.
Is a referral required?
Yes, a diagnosis and referral by a physician are required and can be faxed to 508.833.4295.
How do I get started?
Contact Spaulding Cape Cod at 508.833.4141 to obtain a registration package and pricing information.
What should I bring?
- A valid driver's license or temporary permit
- Eyeglasses for clinical testing and, if needed, for driving
- A family member or friend who can listen to the recommendations with you
Please arrange transportation to and from the evaluation.
Listen Here for our Driving Assessment Experts
Hear Donna Klein-Erdman, Occupational Therapist in the Driving Assessment Program, share tips and insights in the Spaulding Rehab Health Report. Her safe driving messages cover skills needed for driving, warning signs that a driver may be having difficulty, and adaptations that can improve driving safety.
For more information:
www.thehartford.org for families concerned about older drivers or dementia
www.aaafoundation.org for information on traffic safety
www.massdot.state.ma.us for information about RMV policies
www.massgov.org for Mass Rehab Commission office locations and phone numbers
www.alzcapecod.org for information about services on Cape Cod
www.lumosity.com for games to improve visual and mental skills
www.aarp.com for games to improve visual and mental skills
www.aota.org for information about occupational therapy
