Driving Assessment & Driving Rehabilitation

Who we support

This service may be suitable if you are:

• An experienced driver who wants support to return to driving or maintain safe driving after a change in function or confidence

• A P-plate driver with disability who needs strategies, skill-building, and tailored recommendations to drive safely and independently

• A participant supported by the NDIS (or privately funded), where driving relates to your goals and independence

Important: We currently support P-plate and experienced drivers only. We do not undertake assessments for Learner (L-plate) drivers.

What is a driving assessment?

A driving assessment is an occupational therapy service that looks at the skills and functional abilities that can impact driving. Depending on your needs, this may include a combination of:

• Understanding your goals, driving history, and day-to-day challenges

• Screening of abilities relevant to driving, such as attention, planning, reaction time, fatigue management, motor coordination, and visual/perceptual skills

• Discussion of current routines, environments, and triggers that may affect safety (e.g., busy traffic, night driving, fatigue, sensory overload)

The goal is to provide a clear picture of your current strengths and support needs, and to guide the next steps.

What is driving rehabilitation?

Driving rehabilitation is about building skills and confidence over time. Following a Disability Driver Assessment and goal setting, your OT may recommend a tailored plan that could include:

• Practical strategies to support attention, planning, decision-making, and self-regulation while driving

• Fatigue management routines and pacing strategies

• Skill-building focus areas (e.g., managing complex intersections, parking, route planning, coping with unexpected changes)

• Recommendations for adaptive equipment or vehicle modifications where appropriate

• Home and community-based strategies that support independence around driving (e.g., planning tools, visual supports, structured practice routines)

We aim to provide you with tools that are realistic, measurable, and aligned to your goals.

Reports and recommendations

Where required, Pelorus OT can provide written documentation that summarises:

• Assessment findings and key functional considerations

• Recommendations and practical strategies

• Suggested supports, equipment, or next steps (as appropriate)

Reports can be tailored for the client and, where relevant, shared with your nominated supports (e.g., support coordinator, referrer) with your consent.

Locations and appointments

• Victoria (VIC): This service is available in VIC and is our primary service area.

• Adelaide (SA): Available by advanced appointment only due to limited availability.

If you’re unsure whether your location or needs are suitable, we’re happy to guide you through the options.

Funding options

Clients may access this service privately, and NDIS funding may be applicable where Disability Driver Assessment support aligns with plan goals and supports independence. If you’re unsure, our team can help you understand what information is typically needed before booking your Disability Driver Assessment.
Getting started

1. Enquire with Pelorus OT and tell us your location and whether you are a P-plate or experienced driver

2. We’ll complete an initial intake to understand your goals and suitability

3. We’ll confirm next steps and schedule your appointment (Adelaide requires advanced booking)

Important notes (please read)

• Driving supports and recommendations are individualised and depend on your needs and circumstances.

• Pelorus OT provides occupational therapy assessments and rehabilitation support and cannot guarantee licensing outcomes.

• We do not provide assessments for L-plate drivers.