Driving Rehabilitation

patient with driving instructorNortheast Rehab offers driving rehab in the form of a comprehensive driving evaluation and driver training for anyone who has had an illness, injury or age-related decline that could affect the ability to drive safely. Our services are provided by a certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS) and includes both a clinical and behind-the-wheel assessment.

Clinical Assessment

The clinical portion of the driving test screens skills that are important for safe driving and include:

  • Visual skills
  • Cognitive skills
  • Gross motor screening
  • Physical and mental reaction skills
  • Interpretation of road signs

Behind-The-Wheel Assessment

The driving portion of the driving test takes place in a Northeast Rehab training vehicle which is adaptable and has a training brake for safety. This portion of the driving test assesses driving skills, application of traffic rules and regulations, adaptive equipment needs and independence in the community. For beginner drivers, the in-car assessment evaluates their potential to learn the skills necessary to become successful independent drivers.

Driving Rehabilitation Recommendations

At the conclusion of the driving test, recommendations are made for the individual based upon their performance. Possible recommendations include:

  • Return to independent driving
  • Follow-up driver training sessions to improve driving skills. This may include training in the use of adaptive equipment, as appropriate.
  • Therapy to increase functional skills necessary for safe driving
  • Driving retirement

Driving Rehabilitation/Training

If driver training is recommended for an individual, this may include education and/or training in some of the following areas:

  • Driver training in progressively more complex situations
  • Driver training with emphasis on strategies to improve safety
  • Driver training with the use of adaptive equipment such as:
    • Hand controls
    • Left foot accelerator
    • Other vehicle modifications

Conditions appropriate for this program include but are not limited to:

  • Stroke
  • Head injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Amputation
  • Orthopedic injuries
  • Neurological diagnosis (ALS, MS, Parkinson’s Disease)
  • Age-related changes
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Arthritis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Visual impairment
  • Learning disabilities
  • Autism spectrum
  • Post-polio syndrome
  • Guillan-Barre syndrome

A physician referral is required to participate in the program.

Driving Rehabilitation Resources

To schedule an appointment for a driving assessment, please call 888-950-9939 or fax to 603-898-8368.

Please print off and bring these completed forms to your first appointment.