We provide Occupational Therapy Driving Services across Perth, including Joondalup, Osborne Park, Fremantle, Rockingham, Midland and surrounding suburbs, supporting OT Fitness to Drive Assessments, medical, older driver and return-to-driving assessments.
Perth Occupational Therapy Driving Services
Occupational Therapy Fitness to Drive Assessments – Perth
At Supportive Occupational Therapy Services, we understand that driving is more than just a means of transport, but a vital part of staying independent, connected, and in control of daily life. Our goal is to help individuals continue driving safely and confidently for as long as possible.
We provide comprehensive Occupational Therapy Fitness to Drive Assessments in Perth for people whose driving ability may be affected by medical conditions, physical or cognitive disabilities, injuries, or age-related changes. Each assessment is carried out by a nationally accredited Occupational Therapy driving assessor and is tailored to the individual’s needs.
Our approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and focused on promoting independence while ensuring road safety, for both the driver and the wider community.
Who may benefit from a Fitness to Drive Assessment
Changes in health, mobility, or confidence can impact driving ability. An Occupational Therapy Fitness to Drive Assessment helps determine whether it is safe to continue driving and identifies any supports that may assist.
An assessment may be recommended if you:
- Have been advised by your GP, specialist, or the Department of Transport
- Have cognitive or memory changes
- Are an older driver seeking reassurance
- Have physical limitations affecting mobility or strength
- Have vision changes impacting driving ability
- Are recovering from injury or surgery
- Have experienced a stroke or neurological condition
- Require assessment for return to driving
- As part of your NDIS plan
What Does an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment Involve?
Our Fitness to Drive Assessment is comprehensive and completed in two parts. This structured approach allows us to evaluate the skills required for safe driving in both a clinical setting and real-world conditions.
Part 1: Off-Road Assessment
The off-road assessment focuses on the physical, cognitive, and visual skills required for safe driving. This is completed in a clinic setting before proceeding to the on-road component.
The Occupational Therapist will:
- Review driving and medical history
- Assess understanding of road laws
- Screen vision
- Assess movement, strength, and coordination
- Test reaction time
- Evaluate cognitive abilities
This assessment evaluates:
- Functional limitations affecting driving
- Understanding of safe driving practices
- Need for vehicle modifications
- Potential licence conditions
- Overall readiness for on-road assessment
Part 2: On-Road Assessment
The on-road assessment evaluates practical driving ability in real traffic conditions. It is conducted in a dual-controlled vehicle with a qualified driving instructor and Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor to ensure safety throughout the assessment.
The on-road assessment evaluates:
- Physical limitations
- Vehicle control and reaction times
- Planning, judgement, and observation skills
- Ability to follow road laws including speed and vehicle positioning
- Responses to traffic situations
- Ability to complete driving tasks despite distractions (e.g. conversation)
- Safe use of vehicle modifications if required (e.g. steering aid, left foot accelerator)
Possible outcomes of the Assessment
Following completion of the assessment, the Occupational Therapist will provide recommendations based on safety, independence, and individual goals. Outcomes are tailored to each person’s needs.
Recommendations may include:
- Continue driving with no restrictions
- Driver retraining or rehabilitation
- Vehicle modifications
- Licence conditions (e.g. local area, daylight only)
- Further review at a later date
- Alternative transport planning
Our focus is always on supporting independence while ensuring safety.
Why choose Supportive Occupational Therapy Services?
We provide professional, supportive, and evidence-based driving assessments designed to help individuals maintain independence wherever possible.
- Nationally accredited Occupational Therapy driving assessors
- Compassionate and supportive approach
- Evidence-based assessments
- Comprehensive written reports
- Recommendations tailored to the individual
- Perth-based service
- Support for older drivers, medical conditions, and NDIS participants
Servicing Perth and surrounding Suburbs
We provide Occupational Therapy Fitness to Drive Assessments across Perth and surrounding metropolitan areas. Our service supports individuals, families, and referrers looking for professional driver assessments close to home.
We regularly support clients in:
- Central Perth: Perth, Subiaco, Claremont, Cottesloe, Nedlands, Leederville, Osborne Park, Innaloo, Balcatta
- North of the River: Joondalup, Wanneroo, Hillarys, Duncraig, Greenwood, Kingsley
- South of the River: Fremantle, Melville, Booragoon, Willetton, Cockburn, Rockingham
- Eastern Suburbs: Midland, Morley, Belmont, Bassendean, Ellenbrook, Kalamunda
If your suburb is not listed, please contact us and we can make alternative arrangements. We aim to make accessing a Fitness to Drive Assessment in Perth as convenient as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
A referral from your GP or specialist is recommended and may be required depending on your situation.
How long does the assessment take?
Most assessments take approximately 3–4 hours, including off-road and on-road components. The assessments can be completed in one day or across two separate days.
Who receives the report?
Reports can be provided to:
- GP or specialist
- Licensing authority
- Client and family
- NDIS (if applicable)
Can I keep my licence?
Many people continue driving with recommendations, retraining, or vehicle modifications. The assessment helps determine the safest outcome.