Assessments Every OT DRS Should Master

If you are an Occupational Therapist stepping into Driver Rehabilitation, having a solid toolkit of assessments is essential. These tests help you determine whether a patient can drive safely overall and further determine who needs adaptive equipment or would benefit from more training.

Below are key assessments that every OT DRS should master.

1. Visual and Perceptual Tests

Safe driving relies heavily on accurate observation of the environment. Visual and perceptual deficits can negatively impact people seeing hazards, the way they position their vehicle on the road, and the ability to read important signs.

Common tests include:

• Motor-Free Visual Perception Test (MVPT-4)
• Dynavision or Useful Field of View (UFOV)

Difficulty spotting objects against a busy background may suggest that someone may have a hard time spotting pedestrians in a busy traffic environment. Slower processing of visuals could delay a necessary reaction to a stop light or an animal crossing the road.

2. Reaction Time & Coordination

Driving requires quick responses to changing situations, whether that be braking suddenly or avoiding small obstacles. A coordination test can highlight how well a patient reacts in real-world situations.

Common tests include:

• Purdue Pegboard or Box and Block Test
• Choice Reaction Time Tasks

Slower reaction times may affect how quickly someone brakes when traffic slows down. It could also impact their ability to merge safely onto an interstate highway. Limited hand-eye coordination could mean steering or using turn signals is difficult.

3. Executive Functioning & Judgment Tasks

Driving is a complex activity that requires constant multitasking. Thinking or memory challenges increase the risk of error, resulting in unsafe driving behaviors.

Common tests include:

1. Trail Making Test (TMT)
2. Stroop Test
3. Clock Drawing or Functional Judgment Scenarios

Trouble following steps in the right order may lead to taking a wrong turn or making an incorrect lane change. In general, poor judgment can result in risky decisions in active traffic.

4. Motor & Strength Tests

Having enough strength and a full range of motion are both essential for steering, controlling foot pedals, and getting in and out of a car safely.

Common tests include:

• Grip Strength Dynamometer
• Range of Motion Assessments
• Timed Up & Go (TUG)

If the feet, legs, or hips are not functioning well, a driver may not be able to use their brakes or gas pedals well. A restricted shoulder or neck range can affect how someone checks their mirrors.

5. Vision Tests

Clear and sharp vision is critical for safe driving. Even a minor fault in contrast or depth could increase the risk of an accident.

Common tests include:

• Snellen Chart
• Contrast Sensitivity Test
• Depth Perception Assessments

If contrast sensitivity is low, someone may struggle to drive at night or read faded road signs. Depth perception difficulties can affect someone’s ability to park their vehicle.

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

These assessments begin to form the foundation of driver rehabilitation. However, knowing the tests is only the start. Specialized training and mentorship is required to carry out tests efficiently and interpret results with accuracy.

Adaptive Mobility offers comprehensive OT DRS training and mentorship to help you gain confidence in knowing when and how to use these assessments. With the guidance of Susie Touchinsky, you will be equipped to help patients safely regain their driver independence.