Following an injury, physical and cognitive problems may affect a person’s ability to drive safely. As well as physical difficulties, a person with an acquired brain injury may have slowed reaction time, take in information more slowly, have reduced concentration, or have difficulty judging speed and distance. Vision may also be affected.
License holders are legally required to report any medical condition that affects their driving.
The procedure for return to driving is as follows:
- The off-road session assesses reaction times, vision, physical problems, observation skills and knowledge of road laws
- Following successful completion of the off-road component, patients participate in an on-road assessment. A dual control car is used, with a driving instructor and an occupational therapist qualified in assessing the effects of injury on driving. Often two on-road drives are completed in various traffic conditions. Previous driving experience is taken into account. Occasionally driving lessons are required prior to return to driving
- If this is successful, a medical report and the occupational therapist’s driving report are sent to VicRoads, notifying them of the medical condition and meeting the legal requirements.
People with brain injury should not drive before going through this procedure, as insurance companies will not provide cover if it is known that the client was suffering a condition that affected their ability to drive.
The driver rehabilitation program aims to assist people to return to driving when they are safe and ready. Referrals can be made from all Rehabilitation sites.
Epworth Rehabilitation Richmond 03 9426 6666