If you’re concerned about the driving skills of a loved one, or maybe your own, it’s time for a professional assessment. St. Lawrence offers a thorough driver evaluation course.

“Often clients are referred to us after a medical event, such as a stroke or amputation, or if they are older drivers who have recently been involved in a traffic accident,” says Carrie Monagle, occupational therapist and certified driver rehabilitation specialist at St. Lawrence.

She also assists younger people who have cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, congenital deformities or developmental disabilities such as Asperger syndrome.

Driver’s Road Test
The two-part test includes a pre-driver clinical evaluation and a behind-the-wheel driving test (in a licensed vehicle with separate instructor controls).

Tests for vision, range of motion and general driving knowledge accompany a neuropsychological assessment of how the driver thinks and follows directions.

The driving test steers clients through parking lots, shopping centers, neighborhoods and on major highways. Adaptive equipment such as steering devices, hand tools and adjusted brake and accelerator pedals help clients regain confidence.

“A key difference between our evaluation and a typical driving school is that I create situations in which the client has to make decisions on the road that demonstrate safe driving ability,” explains Ms. Monagle.

”Having an objective, third-party recommendation also makes it easier for families to break tough news.

“Telling a loved one that he or she is no longer a safe driver can be difficult for the family,” says Ms. Monagle. “If the client is no longer a safe driver, I encourage them to make the decision themselves to hand over the keys.”