A driving assessment is completely different from a driving test.
The assessment process is designed to review your ability to keep you, your passengers and other road users safe. Whether this is following an accident, illness or change in your medical condition.
The assessment may be required to investigate vehicle modification options because of a physical disability such as a limb amputation or because you have become less able to drive using standard methods. You may be seeking confirmation that you are still able to drive safely following a recent diagnosis. Whatever the reason for your assessment, our team understand that you may not have had anyone to check or observe your driving for a number of years and they are here to put you at ease and support you through the process.
The assessment will be conducted by a Driving Advisor and an Occupational Therapist. It will start with an initial consultation and any relevant cognitive exercises to determine your requirements. A physical assessment may also be required to identify any limitations which could affect your ability to operate standard controls of a vehicle, and possible adaptations to enable you to drive more safely or comfortably.
You will be required by law to read a number plate at 20 metres. Any other visual impairment may require further investigation.
The drive is designed to gauge your reaction to standard driving conditions. The route is designed to check that you are in full control of the vehicle, you are aware of what is going on around you and you are able to make safe decisions.
At the end of the assessment we will discuss and advise what you should do next and wherever possible we will make recommendations to improve either the vehicle control or your technique in order for you to return to or continue to drive safely.
You should allow approximately two hours for the assessment, although actual driving time will be around 45 minutes. This is to allow you to move through each stage of the assessment at your own pace.
Following the assessment a full comprehensive report will be written which you will receive 10-14 working days after the assessment, unless this is a DVLA referral in which case the report will only be sent to them.
If you are referred through an NHS Healthcare Professional or the DVLA then the referral is free of charge.