We provide the following driver rehab services:

• Driver Evaluation
• Driver Training
• Vehicle Modification Evaluation (VME)
• Functional Inspection of Modified Vehicle
• Follow-Up Driver Training

DRIVER EVALUATION:

A Driver Evaluation is a baseline assessment of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses as they relate to driving.  This type of evaluation typically takes about three hours and is comprised of two parts — clinical and behind-the-wheel assessments.

The clinical assessment generally consists of testing the individual’s vision, brake reaction, physical functioning, visual-motor, visual-perception, and cognition.

The behind-the-wheel assessment consists of having the individual drive a vehicle provided by Assistive Driving Services to assess his/her driving abilities and needs.  If adaptive driving equipment is needed for this evaluation, the most appropriate type equipment will be determined and tried, if available in the provided vehicle.

DRIVER TRAINING:

The need for Driver Training and an estimated number of hours will be determined from the Driver Evaluation.  Some of the factors which help determine the estimated number of hours for training are:  driving experience, evaluation results, type of disability, type of equipment being used (if any), and evaluator experience.  However, this is only an estimate of the time needed to help an individual become a safe, independent driver or resume safe, independent driving.  The number of hours needed to accomplish this may be more or less than what is recommended from the Driver Evaluation.  Typically, the last step in training is to take the individual to the BMV for a pre-scheduled drive test to obtain their driver’s license with any appropriate restrictions (such as for adaptive driving equipment or bioptic lenses) or to amend an already valid license with any appropriate restrictions.

VEHICLE MODIFICATION EVALUATION (VME):

For those individual’s with a physical disability who need adaptive driving equipment or any other vehicle modifications/equipment, a VME is completed to discuss/determine the most appropriate vehicle and modifications necessary for the individual to drive safely and independently.  This can be as simple as a need to transport a non-driver and/or mobility device, such as a scooter or wheelchair, or as complex as driving from a power wheelchair with high tech driving controls.  The amount of time needed for this evaluation varies depending on the complexity, but usually takes about one to four hours.  Also, additional research may need to be done to check for or verify compatibility between the vehicle, mobility device, and/or loading device.

FUNCTIONAL INSPECTION OF MODIFIED VEHICLE:

Upon completion of a vehicle modification (by an acceptable Vehicle Modifier) a final inspection should be completed.  According to Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the Final Inspection must include both a Mechanical Inspection and a Functional Inspection.  Assistive Driving Services does NOT provide a mechanical inspection of the vehicle modifications.  However, we DO provide a functional inspection.  The purpose of this inspection is to assess the proper positioning and/or adjustment of all equipment/modifications for satisfactory operation by the individual.  This includes the evaluator reviewing all the equipment/modifications to be sure everything works as intended, test driving the vehicle himself, then having the individual drive the vehicle.

FOLLOW-UP DRIVER TRAINING:

Upon a modified vehicle passing a final inspection (mechanical and functional) some individuals may need to complete some additional driver training in their newly modified vehicle to become more comfortable with the equipment set-up and controls in their vehicle.  If needed, a number of hours for follow-up training will be recommended from the Functional Inspection.  Once the evaluator and individual are both comfortable with that person’s ability to drive safely, he/she is then ready to begin/resume independent driving.

Please contact us if you have any questions.