Driving Assessments
Driving supports independence and community participation for many people. Driving is also a complex task that draws on cognitive, physical and psychological capacity. Where a medical condition or disability has the potential to affect safe driving, VicRoads may require an occupational therapy driving assessment.
Our assessments cover Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. They are completed by Alana Thorpe, who has been an accredited OT driving assessor since 2017.
What is involved?
An OT driving assessment has two parts, normally completed on the same day.
1. Off-road assessment
The off-road assessment is usually completed in your home and takes 45 to 60 minutes. It helps us understand the functional impact of your condition through questions and observations covering eyesight, physical capacity, balance, and cognitive capacity including road law. No preparation is required.
2. On-road assessment
The on-road assessment follows directly and takes 60 minutes. A driving instructor attends alongside the occupational therapist, and the assessment is completed in the instructor’s dual-control car. We are not permitted to use your own vehicle. The drive normally starts from your home unless we arrange otherwise beforehand.
We assess against one of two routes. An open licence route aims to return you to driving anywhere in Australia without supervision. A local licence route supports continued driving locally, generally within about 20km of home. Depending on how you drive and your clinical condition, conditions such as no freeway driving may be recommended. We always aim for the most functional outcome we can.
Assessment outcomes
We discuss the findings with you on the day. We complete a report for VicRoads, and your GP can be notified depending on your preference. There are three possible outcomes:
- you pass and continue driving, with or without licence conditions
- driving lessons are recommended before a repeat on-road assessment
- licence cancellation is recommended
VicRoads reviews our report and writes to you with the outcome of their review.
Vehicle modifications
We also complete vehicle inspections and recommend vehicle modifications, and we support both experienced drivers and people beginning their driving journey.
What it costs
- Private funding and Home Care Packages: $400 for the combined off-road and on-road assessment, travel and report. A repeat on-road assessment is $210.
- NDIS and other schemes: fees follow the relevant scheme price guide. NDIS assessments typically involve three to four hours of OT time plus travel, with further time billed as required for reports and communication. We currently accept self-managed and plan-managed participants only.
- Driving instructor: charged separately, generally $140 to $170. A driving instructor is mandatory for the on-road component.
Privately funded clients are usually asked to pay on the day, and many instructors prefer cash. Cancellation fees may apply, generally from the driving instructor and at times from Aidaway. Eligible DVA clients may have the full cost of a driving assessment covered. See our funding and fees page for the full breakdown.
We understand that a driving assessment can feel daunting. Our team explains each step and aims to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
Common questions
How long does an OT driving assessment take?
The off-road assessment takes 45 to 60 minutes and the on-road assessment takes a further 60 minutes. The two are normally completed back to back on the same day, so allow around two hours.
Can I use my own car?
No. The on-road assessment has to be completed in a driving instructor’s car with dual controls. We are not permitted to use a client’s own vehicle.
How much does a driving assessment cost?
For private funding and Home Care Packages the OT fee is $400, covering both the off-road and on-road assessment, travel and the VicRoads report. A repeat on-road assessment is $210. The driving instructor charges separately, generally $140 to $170. NDIS assessments follow the scheme price guide, typically three to four hours of OT time plus travel.
Do I need to prepare for the off-road assessment?
No preparation is required. The off-road component covers eyesight, physical capacity, balance, and cognitive capacity including road law questions.
What happens after the assessment?
We discuss the findings with you on the day and complete a report for VicRoads. Your GP can also be notified, depending on your preference. The outcome is either a pass, a recommendation for driving lessons, or a recommendation that the licence be cancelled. VicRoads reviews the report and writes to you with their decision.
Can conditions be placed on my licence?
Yes. We assess against either an open licence route, which aims to return you to driving anywhere in Australia unsupervised, or a local licence route, generally within about 20km of home. Conditions such as no freeway driving are possible depending on your presentation and clinical condition. We always aim for the most functional outcome available to you.