Independent Rehabilitation Services provides Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments to individuals who have received a request for an OT Driving Assessment report, as part of a medical review, from Transport Victoria.
If you have completed all other requested medical tests (eg. vision, neurological), you are ready to make a referral and get the process started. Otherwise, keep reading for further information.
Why is an OT Driving Assessment necessary?
After an accident, illness, or as we age, the physical and cognitive skills required to drive safely can change. An assessment helps determine if a medical condition or disability impacts your fitness to drive.
A written request for an Occupational Therapy driving assessment report from the Transport Victoria medical review team is a requirement to proceed with the assessment.
The Two-Stage Assessment Process
The assessment is conducted in two separate parts to ensure a comprehensive evaluation:
Stage 1: Off-Road Assessment (Up to 2 hours)
- Conducted initially.
Focuses on discussing your driving history, conducting a screen of medical, physical, sensory and thinking skills screen and understanding of road law.
Stage 2: On-Road Assessment (Up to 1 hour)
Conducted on a different day.
Performed in a dual-control vehicle with a professional driving instructor and your Occupational Therapist.
Evaluates real-world judgement and driving skills.
What We Evaluate
Our specialised Occupational Therapist driving assessors look at several key areas to ensure road safety:
Physical Ability: Movement, strength and coordination.
Cognitive Skills: Memory, attention and decision-making.
Safety & Judgement: Ability to anticipate hazards and react appropriately.
Knowledge: Adherence to Victorian road laws.
Potential Outcomes
Following the assessment, a report is sent to Transport Victoria, who makes the final decision.
Possible outcomes include:
Resuming Driving: Continuing as normal.
Vehicle Modifications: Suggestions for specialised equipment (eg. hand controls).
Driving Lessons: Recommendations for professional training to refresh skills.
License Conditions: Specific restrictions to keep you safe.
Retirement from Driving: If safety can no longer be guaranteed, we help you explore alternative transport options.
Why Choose IRS
Qualified Specialists: We have qualified OTs who are registered to conduct these assessments for Transport Victoria.
- We Come to You: We offer immediate availability for driving assessments across Greater Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula.
Personalised Support: We guide you through the process and answer any questions about your results.
- Funding Options: Your assessment can often be funded by NDIS, TAC or WorkSafe Victoria.
Fees & What to Expect
Assessment Package: A single payment of $2,000 (incl. GST) is required before your assessments begin. This covers up to 10 hours of total service, including your off-road and on-road sessions, clinical reporting and liaison.
Extended Time / Reassessments: If your OT identifies that additional time or a reassessment is required, any further fees will be discussed with you in advance.
Driving Instructor Fee: A separate fee is payable directly to the external driving instructor on the day of your on-road drive. Your OT will confirm this exact amount before your second appointment. (Please note: Driving instructors are independent professionals and not employed by IRS).
Our qualified OT Driving Assessors proudly service Greater Melbourne (North, South-East, East and West) and Mornington Peninsula.
View information on our service areas or contact us for any specific queries.
Meet our Occupational Therapist Driving Assessors
Amy Jesse
Senior Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Team Leader, Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor
Melissa Bennett
Senior Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead, Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor
Getting started is simple
If you have your letter from Transport Victoria and are ready to book:
Driving Assessment FAQs
- Your official Transport Victoria letter: We require a copy of the letter from the medical review team containing the wording: “Request for occupational therapy driving assessment report”.
- Your current driver licence: We need your licence number and expiry date. If your licence is currently suspended, please let us know immediately so we can check your specific clearance status with Transport Victoria.
- Medical Clearances: If Transport Victoria requested other tests first (such as a vision test or a neurological report), we need confirmation that these have been completed and cleared.
- Funding information: NDIS – NDIS number, plan dates and support coordinator details, TAC/WorkSafe – claim number, date of injury and case manager details, My Aged Care/Home Care Package (HCP) – provider and package manager’s details. Private clients are also welcome and therefore do not need to provide funding information.
To ensure a thorough and fair evaluation, the assessment is strictly split into two separate parts conducted on different days. Stage 1 is an off-road clinical screen (up to 2 hours), and Stage 2 is the practical on-road drive (up to 1 hour).
You will need to bring the following items: all Transport Victoria documentation, spectacles, list of medications and any other relevant documents.
Driving is a highly complex task. We use this time to conduct an in-depth review of your medical and driving history, screen your physical and sensory skills, and evaluate cognitive functions like memory, attention and hazard perception – vital to your safety on the road.
Following your assessment, our OT Driving Assessor will write a comprehensive report outlining the results and our clinical recommendations. This is sent directly to Transport Victoria, who makes the final legal decision regarding your driving capacity.
Our qualified OT Driving Assessors proudly service Greater Melbourne (North, South-East, East and West) and Mornington Peninsula.
We have immediate availability for Driving Assessments across Greater Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula. We’re ready when you are!
- NDIS
- TAC
- WorkSafe Victoria
- My Aged Care/Home Care Package (HCP)
- Private
Have more questions? Please see our general FAQs.
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