Driver assessment and rehabilitation

When an injury, illness or medical change affects someone's driving, our driver rehabilitation occupational therapist works out whether they can drive safely, helps them get back on the road where they can, and recommends the vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment they need. Assessments combine in-clinic testing with an on-road evaluation in a dual-controlled vehicle.

Make a referral Call 1-888-880-3222

Driver's hands on the steering wheel during an on-road driving evaluation

What's included

Assessment, rehabilitation and equipment advice from an occupational therapist with advanced training in driver rehabilitation.

Functional driver evaluationIn-clinic testing of vision, physical ability, thinking and perception, followed by an on-road evaluation in a dual-controlled vehicle.

On-road driver rehabilitationLessons to rebuild skills and confidence after an injury, an illness or a long break from driving.

Vehicle modification assessmentRecommendations for adaptive equipment such as hand controls, steering devices and left-foot accelerators, plus seating, transfers and wheelchair loading.

Adaptive equipment trainingTraining to drive safely with new equipment once it is installed, before the client drives on their own.

Clear reportsPlain-language findings and recommendations for the client, their doctor and their funder, and for RoadSafetyBC when a licence decision is involved.

Back behind the wheel after a crashFor clients whose crash left them anxious about driving, graded on-road practice alongside our counsellors.

Who refers and who pays

WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC refers injured workers whose condition affects their driving to its Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) network. DARS covers driver assessment, on-road rehabilitation, vehicle modification assessments and training with adaptive equipment. Results are shared with the worker and their claim owner. RoadSafetyBC is only involved if the worker's licence needs to change.

ICBC. For clients injured in a crash, driver assessment and rehabilitation can be part of their recovery plan with their ICBC recovery specialist's approval.

RoadSafetyBC. After reviewing a Driver's Medical Examination Report, RoadSafetyBC can ask a driver for more information or a functional assessment. That can be an occupational therapist assessment, an Enhanced Road Assessment or an ICBC road test re-exam. Our report gives RoadSafetyBC and the driver's doctor a clear picture of how the person drives.

Others. Veterans Affairs Canada, long-term disability insurers, lawyers, physicians and private-pay clients also refer.

How to start

1. Have three things ready. A current driver's licence (a learner's licence, or a licence restricted to driving with a rehabilitation assessor, also works), the funder's details, and the client's doctor's contact information.

2. Send the referral. Email referrals@creativetherapyconsultants.ca or call 1-888-880-3222. We contact the client within 1 business day.

3. Medical screening first. For episodic conditions such as seizures or some heart conditions, and for medications that affect alertness, we ask the client's doctor to confirm they are medically fit to drive. Our evaluation looks at how the person drives and cannot comment on episodic conditions.

4. Assessment and next steps. We go through the results with the client and send the report to the referrer. The next step might be driving again, on-road rehabilitation, equipment and training, or a plan for other transport if driving is not safe for now.

Common questions

Which health conditions can affect driving?

Common examples are stroke, brain injury and concussion, spinal cord injury, amputation, orthopaedic injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, changes in vision, medications that cause drowsiness, and anxiety after a crash.

Is the on-road evaluation a driving test?

No. It is a functional evaluation of how the person drives, not a licensing exam. Licensing decisions in BC are made by RoadSafetyBC.

Do I need an assessment before getting hand controls or other equipment?

Usually, yes. An occupational therapist's vehicle modification assessment makes sure the equipment fits the person and the vehicle, and most funders ask for one before paying for modifications.

Do I need to study for the assessment?

No. Bring your licence, glasses or hearing aids if you use them, and a list of your medications. Drive the way you normally would.

What if I am not ready to drive?

We will explain why and what would help. That might be on-road rehabilitation, more recovery time and a re-assessment, adaptive equipment, or planning around transit, HandyDART or rides from family while you work toward driving again.

What if I disagree with a licence decision?

Decisions about your licence are made by RoadSafetyBC, not by us. You can ask RoadSafetyBC for a review or reconsideration, and a different adjudicator will look at your file.

How do I refer a client for driver rehabilitation?

Email referrals@creativetherapyconsultants.ca or call toll free 1-888-880-3222. We contact the client within 1 business day of the referral.

Ready to refer? It takes two minutes.

Make a referral 1-888-880-3222