Driver Rehabilitation Services, P.A. is a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Licensed Driving School and a member of the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. Driver Rehabilitation Services, P.A. offers a complete clinical assessment of a person’s visual, perceptual, cognitive, physical and behavioral abilities as it relates to safe and independent driving due to aging, an illness or an injury. This assessment is conducted by a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist who is also a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (or working towards certification) and is a certified North Carolina driver instructor. Following the clinical evaluation, the behind-the-wheel assessment is conducted with the evaluating occupational therapist to assess actual skill performance in operating a motor vehicle and making safe and independent driving decisions. Those persons with a disability wanting to learn to drive for the first time may also be assessed and trained. All services are rendered at the client’s location.
All participants must sign a contract for services, release of information and waiver of agreement that releases Driver Rehabilitation Services, P.A., their physician(s), and therapist(s) from being held liable for the disclosure of information released to the Division of Motor Vehicles and other necessary parties regarding the ability of the participant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Driver Training
Consultation/Vehicle Fitting
Results
Goal of Services
Who Qualifies
All participants must sign a contract for services, release of information and waiver of agreement that releases Driver Rehabilitation Services, P.A., their physician(s), and therapist(s) from being held liable for the disclosure of information released to the Division of Motor Vehicles and other necessary parties regarding the ability of the participant to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Click on the category for more information
Driver EvaluationDriver Training
Consultation/Vehicle Fitting
Results
Goal of Services
Who Qualifies
Driver Evaluation
A Comprehensive Evaluation of an individual’s abilities or potential to become a safe and independent driver. The evaluation is conducted by an Occupational Therapist with Specialty Training in Driver Rehabilitation and includes screening of medical and driving history; a clinical evaluation of physical, visual, perceptual and cognitive skills; and assessment of seating needs where applicable. It includes an on the road assessment in an actual driving environment using equipment similar to that which may be recommended.Driver Training
Driver training, with or without adaptive equipment, may be recommended after an initial evaluation. Training services are provided following successful completion of a driver evaluation. Driver training services are provided in a vehicle that is tailored to the driver’s individual needs, including adaptive equipment as necessary. Training includes progression to licensure as appropriate as well as procurement of appropriate licensure restrictions.Consultation/Vehicle Fitting
Consultation is provided to direct the client to the optimal outcome for their individual needs. Consultation may include aiding in vehicle selection, consulting regarding the stowage of a mobility device, providing input regarding wheelchair seating or other concerns.A vehicle fitting is conducted in the process or at the end of modification of a client’s vehicle. Vehicle fitting services are provided at the vehicle modification vendor’s location to assure the client’s proper interface with their adaptive equipment, including stowing assistive devices and transferring safely in and out of the vehicle. Fittings include the client driving to assure safe and successful use of all equipment before the vehicle is released to the client.
Results
Successful outcomes are dependent on the written documentation of the services provided. Driver Rehabilitation Services generates a written report of the results for any service rendered. This includes, when appropriate, a written prescription of recommended vehicle options, adaptive equipment and modifications.Results will be sent to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles only if the person should not drive or has impairments which warrant further training or restrictions. This has been discussed with the Division of Motor Vehicles Medical Review Branch and this is their request. All results are sent to the referral source and other team members. A report is always sent to the client.
Following the clinical and on-the-road testing the results are discussed at length with the patient and appropriate family member(s) / Caregiver(s).
Goals of Service
Driver rehabilitation is typically the final stage of recovery that affects a client’s ability to return to work, participate in educational activities and live as independently as possible. Therefore, the primary goal of these services is to determine the client’s capacity to operate a vehicle independently, in their environment. Further behind the wheel training is provided as needed.Who Qualifies?
Services are provided to individuals with, but not limited to:Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)
Spinal cord injuries
Amputation
Psychiatric conditions
Diabetes
Normal effects of aging
Neuro muscular conditions
Orthopedic conditions
Congenital Disabilities