This is a comprehensive evaluation to assess a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

The evaluation is extensive, addressing the following areas:

• Physical skills
• Vision and visual/perceptual skills
• Cognitive skills
• Reaction times
• Knowledge of driving regulations
• Knowledge of traffic signs
• General driving skills

The full assessment takes approximately 2 ½ hours and is completed by a registered occupational therapists.  The assessment needs to be ordered by a physician who will then receive a copy of the report and recommendations.

The system has three computer monitors in front of a cockpit.  The cockpit has all of the similarities of a real care to make it as realistic as possible.  There is a capability of removing the seat so a person who drives from a wheelchair base would be able to use this system.  It also has hand controls as well that can be placed on the machine to assess a person who may be paraplegic.

These assessments can be performed on any age range and/or with people with any medical diagnoses.

For more information on Therapeutic Driving Evaluations at Rice Rehab:
lsti@rice.willmar.mn.us or (320) 231-4175