Getting your license can be confusing, and sometimes it is hard to know the steps involved. If you are needing an OT driving assessment then this can be even more confusing! As an OT driving assessor I am able to support people who have their learner permit and are keen to become more independent with their driving, or to support people who may be wanting to regain their license after a change in their medical status. I can do this by completing a range of assessments to provide information to VicRoads about your driving and working with you to decide if you need any extra support.
If you have been told that you need an OT driving assessment but don’t know where to start, then this post might be helpful for you!
The first step to beginning the OT driving assessment is getting your learner permit. This is something that you can do online or face-to-face through VicRoads. If you complete it online, you are able to complete a series of modules and tests over the course of 12 months, however if you complete the face-to-face test you need to complete the test in one sitting.
Next, you may be prompted to complete a medical form with your doctor who can advise VicRoads if you are considered medically fit to drive at this stage. If you don’t have a regular doctor, they might not be able to fill in this form for you as they might not know you well enough. If this happens, this might be a good time to seek some advice from an OT driving assessor as they can complete some assessments to provide your doctor with more information. You can’t complete your OT driving assessment without this form, so it’s important that you let your doctor know this is something you are working towards.
Once your doctor completes your paperwork, you can officially start your OT driving assessment (yay!). You are now ready to make a referral to an OT driving assessor and they can talk you through their assessment process. Not every OT is specialised in this area, so this might mean that you have another OT who you see more regularly who can’t help you with this goal. Geronimo have more information on their website around the steps of the driving assessment if you want to learn more about the actual driving assessment process.
Geronimo are now offering pre-driving assessment consultations to support you with any questions you might have about getting your license, or helping you get to the stage where you are ready to do your driving assessment. If you would like to arrange a one-hour timeslot via Zoom for advice and support please complete our Pre-Driving Consultation Referral Form.
For more information on how Geronimo can help you through the driving assessment process click the link here.
Written by Georgia Stone
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor