Driving Related Rehabilitation
Driving and independence is an important, pivotal activity in many people’s lives.
Driving a vehicle is a very complex task and requires the integration of high level skills involving vision, physical, cognitive and sensory functions.
When the ability to drive is impacted, it can affect independence, choice and inclusion in life – home, community, work, education, social and travel.
Recovery + Driving
Brain injury recovery – requires a mandatory, minimum 24-hour and often 6-12 month, break from driving, followed by medical clearance and specialised Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments (Brain Injury Australia).
Stroke
Many Stroke survivors are able to return to driving. Depending on nature of injury and outcomes, generally a medical clearance may be needed, the RMS is to be notified, you may need a vision assessment, driving related rehabilitation with an Occupational therapist, clinical assessment by an Occupational therapist (off road and on road evaluation), support and possibly referral to other professionals (ophthalmologist, psychologist).
Stats
Between 40% to 70% of individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) return to driving, often within the first 1-5 years post injury.
Key factors for returning include younger age, higher income, shorter post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), and no seizures.
Many drivers (37-41%) modify their habits, such as driving less often, avoiding night/freeway driving, or using familiar routes.
About 34% of drivers with TBI require on-road rehabilitation before passing a driving assessment.
Studies show that approximately 35% to 66% of Stroke survivors return to driving, typically within 2 to 6 months (variables to consider).
Approximately 35% of stroke survivors require driving related rehabilitation.
NIH.
OT & Driving related rehabilitation
Getting you back on track!
Helping you rebuild the skills and confidence needed to achieve your goal to return to driving.
Driving related rehabilitation – Bridging the gap between injury (loss of function) and taking the driving test – available at OT&U.
Brain Injury: Resources & Information for Driving
