Often a disability, illness or aging makes it difficult for us to complete daily activities we normally take for granted, such as the ability to bathe and dress ourselves or complete household or work-related tasks.

One of the most important day-to-day activities, for the majority of us, is the ability to drive. Driving symbolizes not only convenience, but freedom and independence. Yet, a disability, illness or aging can affect our ability to be a safe driver by impairing our decision-making skills and our ability to control a vehicle.

Sinai Rehabilitation offers a driver evaluation and training program that can help you maintain your independence while ensuring your safety on the road.

Evaluation and Training

The evaluation is a two-part process consisting of a pre-driving screening and a behind-the-wheel evaluation.

Pre-Driving Screening

Good driving skills require good sensory, perceptual, cognitive and motor abilities. A pre-driving screening is completed by a licensed occupational therapist to assess your:

• Vision (visual acuity, peripheral vision, color blindness, sign recognition)
• Perception (visual discrimination, spatial relationships, depth perception)
• Cognition (memory, attention skills, problem-solving skills)
• Functional Ability (strength, coordination, range of motion, sensation)
• Reaction Time.

Behind-The-Wheel Evaluation

When you've satisfactorily completed the pre-driving assessment, a behind-the-wheel evaluation is scheduled. The evaluation takes place in a Sinai-owned and-insured vehicle that has a variety of adaptive controls for individuals with disabilities. The occupational therapist first assesses your needs for special equipment, if necessary. Once you accommodate to the vehicle, you are asked to drive a specific route, with directions provided by the therapist sitting in the passenger seat. The route can be individually tailored to simulate your driving habits and needs.

Driver Training

If you require adaptive driving controls, such as a steering device, left foot accelerator or hand controls, driver training sessions are scheduled. Sessions are initially held in a safe area with little to no traffic (such as a parking lot), progressing to on-the-road training when appropriate. Driver training is completed when you can complete the designated behind-the-wheel evaluation route safely and with no significant errors.

Once you've satisfactorily completed driver training with adaptive equipment, a prescription and a list of vendors is provided. Transfer training and wheelchair loading instruction are also provided, if necessary. You may also receive assistance in preparing for and taking the state road test (you are required by the state of Maryland to be licensed with adaptive driving equipment). You may use Sinai's adapted vehicle to complete the state's driving test if your vehicle is not appropriately equipped when necessary (there is a fee for this services).

Recommendations

When you've completed the driving evaluation and/or driver training, the therapist may submit recommendations to the Motor Vehicle Administration's Medical Advisory Board. The board determines whether or not you will be required to meet specific state licensure requirements. You, the referral source and, in some cases, the Medical Advisory Board all receive a copy of the recommendations.

Costs

Most health insurance plans do not cover the following programs:

• Pre-Driving Screenings and Behind-the-Wheel Evaluations are both evaluations are charged by the hour. The pre-driving screening can take from 60 to 90 minutes, depending upon the individual's speed and level of disability. The behind-the-wheel evaluation can take from 90 to 120 minutes, depending upon how long it takes to accommodate to the vehicle and the route
• Driver Training sessions are charged by the hour. Driver training sessions can take from 60 to 120 minutes per session, depending upon the individual. Duration of the training program varies according to adaptive equipment needs and the ability to learn.
  Please contact us for the current hourly fees.

Scheduling an Evaluation and Driver Training

You, a family member, your physician or your insurance company may call to schedule an appointment. In some cases, referrals are made by other rehabilitation and medical professionals or the Motor Vehicle Administration's Medical Advisory Board.

Sinai Rehabilitation is licensed as a professional driving school by the State of Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and is qualified to evaluate individuals for the Motor Vehicle Administration's Low Vision Program. Driving evaluations and training are completed by licensed occupational therapists who are also driver rehabilitation specialists. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410-601-8823.