Driving Evaluation and Training

Senior couple of adventurers in car, going on a road trip arch to lay on top of image

Driving Evaluation and Training

The goal of Sinai Hospital’s Driving Evaluation and Training Program is to promote independence and ensure safety while using a vehicle. This program can help maintain a client’s independence, teach compensation strategies for physical limitations and ensure safety on the road.



Events and diagnoses that may affect the ability to drive safely include:

  • Stroke

  • Head injury

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Arthritis

  • Amputations

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Vision

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Muscular dystrophy

  • Spina bifida

  • Dementia

  • Alzheimer’s disease



Evaluation

The assessment consists of a pre-driving clinic evaluation and a behind-the-wheel evaluation. The clinic evaluation includes assessment of vision, reaction time, cognition, memory, physical function and possible need for adaptive equipment.

The behind-the-wheel evaluation and training is completed in a Sinai Hospital–owned and –insured vehicle. Adaptive equipment may be added to this vehicle and used if needed. The driving route is designed to assess the driver’s skills under normal driving conditions. If needed, training will be provided on the use of adaptive equipment.

Results

Results of the evaluation will be discussed with you. Recommendations will be made regarding driving safety, the need for further training or the application of new driving techniques. A written copy of the evaluation will be forwarded to you, your primary care physician and, if applicable, to the Motor Vehicle Administration.

Fee

Medicare and most health insurance plans do not cover the cost of evaluation or training. These evaluations are charged by the hour and most evaluations are completed in two to three hours. Driver training is usually one to two hours in duration.

Appointments

Appointments may be scheduled by clients, family members, case managers, physicians or other rehabilitation professionals. The Motor Vehicle Administration may also require that you receive an assessment through our program.

Sinai Rehabilitation’s driving program is recognized by the state of Maryland as a licensed medical driver’s program. All evaluation and training is completed by a licensed occupational therapist who is a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.

To enroll in the driving evaluation program, you must possess a current driver’s license or learner’s permit. If you have a suspended license, you must obtain special permission through the medical case review board for a “J” code license. Our specialist does not have the authority to issue or revoke a driver’s license, but may advise the Motor Vehicle Administration’s medical review board on clinical findings.