Do You Have To Be Certified To Be A Driver Rehabilitation Specialist?

The short answer is no. At the time this article is being written, most states do not require you to have a certification in order to operate a driver rehabilitation business and drive with patients.

As occupational therapists, we know that when it comes to stepping into a new specialty related to our field, there are always new things to learn and experience. It’s part of what we love about our profession as OTs; we are lifelong learners. When it comes to becoming an OT driver rehabilitation specialist, one of the first questions every OT asks me is:

“Do I need to be a certified driver rehabilitation specialist to get started?” and “How do I become a certified driver rehabilitation specialist?”

Let me give you the honest answer: No, you do not have to be certified to work as a driver rehabilitation specialist. What? Aren’t there standards to uphold and expertise needed?

Yes, there are standards. There is more to this process than certification. You have to understand what is important for us as OTs who provide driver rehabilitation services.

Why Certification Isn’t Required (Yet Still Matters)

The reason you don’t need certification right away is that the path to certification begins with experience. Both of the nationally recognized credentials below require you to first practice in the field:

• SCDCM (Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility) from AOTA
• CDRS (Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist) from ADED

You need time behind the wheel (literally and figuratively), applying your clinical reasoning and expanding your skillset. So if you’re just starting out, don’t worry that you are not a certified driver rehabilitation specialist yet. You’re not supposed to be, and do not need to be. This is a field that welcomes you in through learning, mentorship, and thoughtful practice.

But that doesn’t mean certification isn’t worth your while. Let’s dive deeper into learning about training to become an OT driver rehabilitation specialist.

Training & Experience Make the Best Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

In our profession, we understand the value of doing things well. It’s not enough to simply know knowledge and facts about driver rehabilitation; we need to practice, apply, reflect, and grow our skills as OTs continually. This will help us to be the best driver rehabilitation specialists possible.

We will not just check boxes on whether the driver completed the requirements; we will consider their overall health and functionality. Our skills as OTs will allow us to look deep into the limitations caused by health conditions and analyze if they are well-equipped to drive safely.

Training Is Vital As A Rehabilitation Specialist

You’re working with individuals at a critical moment. We help them navigate the complex decision of whether, when, and how to return to the road safely. And that demands expertise that comes through training.

That is why the certification is meaningful, but training is essential. Training is where the real magic happens. It’s where you:

• Build your confidence behind the wheel with clients
• Learn the tools, assessments, and clinical reasoning unique to driving
• Understand the regulations and adaptive equipment options
• And most importantly, grow into the expert your clients need you to be

Where Do You Begin To Be An OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist?

Start by leaning into your OT skills. Begin by screening for driving risk. Use tools like the GRID or the OT-DORA to guide your observations. Talk about driving with your clients. Plant the seeds. And throughout this process, start learning through our online courses.

1. Learn Through Online OT Driver Rehabilitation Courses

At Adaptive Mobility, we offer online education designed specifically for occupational therapy practitioners like you. Whether you’re just starting or already exploring advanced work, my goal is to help you build the real-world experience and clinical reasoning you need to become a strong, ethical, and confident driver rehab specialist.

2. Learn Through Hands-On Training With Susie

And when you’re ready to go deeper and get hands-on training, that’s where I come in. I love working with OTs seeking to reach the pinnacle of their driver rehabilitation specialist journey. On this journey, we move into hands-on experience that is invaluable as an OT CDRS. While we are continuous learners as OTs, it is fun to strive together and learn together towards being the best OT we can be.

Needing A Certificate To Begin As An OT Driver Rehabilitation Specialist

While you don’t need a certification to get started as a driver rehabilitation specialist, you need knowledge, experience, and training to be effective. With our support and training, you will find yourself ready for a variety of situations and challenges as an OT driver rehabilitation specialist. Let’s build your skills together.