On-the-Road Evaluation: Step 2 of the Driving Rehab Assessment Process
After completing your clinical driver assessment, the next step is behind-the-wheel evaluation. This is the on-the-road driving assessment that helps us see a patient’s skills and how they translate to real-world driving situations.
Driving Locations
Before we begin, you’ll let us know about two or three places you regularly drive, like:
- the local grocery store
- a medical appointment
- even the highway
The goal here is to evaluate your normal driving patterns. We want to avoid an artificial routine.
What Vehicle You’ll Use
This evaluation takes place in Adaptive Mobility’s fully insured driver rehabilitation vehicle. We use our vehicle for safety and liability purposes, as it is equipped with an instructor brake and additional coverage to keep you safe and your DRS safe.
We understand that driving a different car might feel uncomfortable at first. We make sure that the seat, mirrors, and controls are all adjusted for your comfort before starting. A short warm-up drive in your neighborhood is also something we do so you can get more familiar with the vehicle before heading out into busier traffic.
What To Expect
During the on-the-road driver evaluation, your DRS will sit beside you, observing and taking notes quietly. We assess your lane positioning, speed control, and reaction time as well as decision-making skills and overall awareness of safety. We are always there for backup if needed, but this is your opportunity to demonstrate your driving ability and skills.
This comprehensive driving evaluation steps allows your DRS to gather the needed insight to guide the final recommendations for you in step 3.
Susie Touchinsky, OTR/L, SCDCM, CDRS is an occupational therapy certified driver rehabilitation specialist, with experience as a driving instructor, and owner of Adaptive Mobility Services, LLC serving southeastern, PA and surrounding areas including Orwigsburg, Reading, Hershey, Harrisburg, Allentown, and throughout Pennsylvania.
For decades, Susie has been committed to helping drivers understand and improve their driving ability and confidence after medical illness, a major medical event, health conditions, and injury.