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What You Need To Know About Disabled Driving Assessment
The disabled driving assessment aims at checking your physical and cognitive ability to drive safely and comfortably without assistance. Owning a driving license gives you much freedom of movement without relying on someone. The disabled driving assessment is quite similar to the regular driving assessment, only that you’ll be tested on adaptability to modifications available in your vehicle.
In addition, occupational therapists assess a person’s needs and make an appropriate recommendation for equipment to help disabled people drive.
This article will provide you with what you need to know about disabled driving assessment and how to go about it.
Medical content reviewed by Dr Eric Jackson-Scott MD, Chief Medical Officer
Driver’s License Requirement with Disability
The main requirement to get a license with a disability is that the applicant must pass the required medical examination that ensures they can safely operate the vehicle while abiding by state laws. On top of this, the applicant will need to pass a driver’s test and abide by unlicensed driver permit procedures and policies.
Although disability isn’t sufficient to deny a person a license, the nature of the adaptive equipment in the vehicle and the person’s abilities may affect being granted a license.
The application process for a driver’s license for a disabled person is similar to the general application process. The application varies from state to state, but the applicant must prove that they understand the driving rules regardless of the location.
Here are the general tasks one must complete to get a driver’s license:
- Must be 16 years old and above
- Study and complete a driver’s education course
- Pass an eye test
- Excel in a written state-administered test
- Pass a road test evaluated by a state assessor
- Fulfill the stipulated unlicensed driver’s permit requirements
It’s worth noting that for the license application process to progress successfully, the applicant must first be assessed by a medical practitioner.
What Is A Disabled Driving Assessment?
A disabled driving assessment is a set of evaluations tailored to examine the applicant’s physical and cognitive abilities to operate a vehicle independently safely. This is a major requirement when applying for a disabled driving license. This assessment determines if any modifications are required in the vehicle and the type of suitable adapters.
Who Needs A Driving Assessment?
A driving assessment is necessary for all disabled persons or people in need to use a handicap-accessible vehicle. This is a requirement when obtaining a driver’s license in all states.
A driving assessment is advised in the following circumstances:
- Your doctor has doubts about your practical ability to drive safely
- Your family has concerns about your driving ability
- When you have a new method of control to drive
- If you think you may need adapters
- If you haven’t driven since you became disabled
What You May Encounter During A Disabled Driving Assessment
Knowing what is expected of you and what you may encounter during a disabled driving assessment is necessary to prepare well. Here are some of the things you will encounter:
- Clinical evaluation
Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists do the clinical evaluation. The specialist critically evaluates your mental, visual and physical capabilities. The main tests carried out include decision making, reaction time, and visual acuity.
- On-the-road driving evaluation
A practical test is mandatory during the disabled driving assessment. You’ll be required to drive under the supervision of a state assessor, and the vehicle must have the required handicap driving modifications.
- Prescription for vehicle modification
At the end of your disabled driving assessment, you’ll be prescribed necessary vehicle modifications depending on your performance. These vehicle modifications may include hand controls, transfer seats, and wheelchair lifts.
- Driver’s education
Driver’s education involves training and practicing the use of added equipment. Successful training and the ability to use the new equipment will help you secure the driver’s license.
- Operational assessment
Operation assessment is done to establish your performance when using the modified vehicle. In most cases, operational assessment is optional, but it’s recommended to ensure your safety.
Cost Of A Disabled Driving Assessment
The disabled driving assessment is a charged service, and the charges vary from place to place. Find a disabled driving assessment near you and contact them to inquire about the costs.
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Who Can Help
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, a non-profit organization based in the USA and Canada, is the leading professional association for disabled driving assessments. It also caters to driver education and training. Contact them to get a specialist in your area and get a disabled driving assessment.
Contact the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association for disabled driver advocacy resources. They’ll help you purchase all vehicle modifications you require.
Closing Remarks
Hopefully, you now understand the disabled driving assessment better. The Disabled driving assessment helps you obtain the driver’s license to drive yourself independently. Get your driving assessment today and regain the freedom of driving yourself to wherever you want.
