OT Driving Assessment
The Road Ahead Starts Here
Our occupational therapist driving assessors help you understand your driving ability, navigate licensing requirements, and get back behind the wheel with confidence.
Which pathway are you on?
Intracare offers three OT driving assessment pathways. Select the one that best describes your situation.
Readiness to Drive
For participants working toward their first licence who require evidence to support safe progression to driving lessons or NDIS-funded driving supports.
Fitness to Drive
For existing drivers whose medical condition, injury, disability, or age-related changes may affect safe driving.
Driver Rehabilitation & Review
Follow-up assessments following lessons, rehabilitation, recovery, or adaptation to vehicle modifications.
Please note: Intracare does not offer vehicle modification services at this time.
What is an OT Driving Assessment?
An OT Driving Assessment (OTDA) is a specialised evaluation conducted by an occupational therapist with advanced training in driver assessment and rehabilitation. It goes far beyond a standard driving test.
Our assessors are accredited by OT Australia and operate within the Austroads and National Transport Commission framework — the national standard for assessing fitness to drive.
Who we support
We work with people across the lifespan who face driving-related challenges due to disability, injury, illness, or age-related change.
Off-road and on-road assessment
Clinical evaluation
Off-road assessment
Conducted at our clinic, the off-road assessment evaluates the underlying abilities required for safe driving. It is always completed before any on-road component.
- Detailed clinical interview and driving history
- Vision screening and visual processing tests
- Cognitive and neuropsychological screening
- Physical assessment — strength, coordination, reaction time
- Review of medical history and specialist reports
- Simulator assessment where indicated
Practical driving evaluation
On-road assessment
Conducted in a dual-control vehicle with a qualified driving instructor, the on-road assessment evaluates your actual driving performance across a range of road environments.
On-road assessment is conducted in a dual-control vehicle. A qualified driving instructor accompanies all on-road sessions for safety.
Readiness to Drive pathway
Driving is a gateway to independence. For people with disability, the path to a licence may look different — but it's absolutely achievable.
- 1
Initial consultation
We discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. We explain what the assessment involves and answer your questions.
- 2
Off-road assessment
We evaluate your vision, cognition, and physical abilities to determine your readiness to begin on-road driving.
- 3
On-road assessment
We assess your current driving skills and identify any areas requiring development or adaptive equipment.
- 4
Recommendations & report
We provide a detailed report with recommendations for licensing, adaptive equipment, and any further training required.
- 5
Driver rehabilitation
Where needed, we provide structured driver rehabilitation sessions to build your skills and confidence.
- 6
Licence application support
We liaise with Transport WA and support you through the licensing process, including any medical review requirements.
Fitness to drive
When a medical condition affects your ability to drive safely, an independent OT Driving Assessment provides clarity for you, your doctor, and Transport WA.
Under Western Australian law, drivers have a legal obligation to report certain medical conditions to Transport WA. Your GP or specialist may also refer you for an assessment if they have concerns about your driving safety.
Assessment may be required when:
- Following a stroke, brain injury, or neurological event
- After a significant medical event such as cardiac surgery or major orthopaedic surgery
- When a progressive condition such as Parkinson's or dementia is affecting function
- When a GP or specialist has concerns about driving safety
- When Transport WA has requested a medical assessment
- When you or your family have concerns about driving safety
After your assessment
Your assessment results in a detailed clinical report with clear recommendations. Outcomes vary depending on your individual situation.
Fit to drive
You are assessed as safe to drive, with or without conditions. We provide a report supporting your continued licence.
Fit to drive with modifications
You can drive safely with adaptive equipment or vehicle modifications. We specify the required modifications and support the approval process.
Driver rehabilitation recommended
Further training or rehabilitation is recommended before a final assessment. We provide a structured rehabilitation programme.
Not fit to drive at this time
If driving is not safe, we provide a clear explanation and explore alternative transport and independence options with you.
Our report does not grant or revoke a licence. Licensing decisions are made by Transport WA. Our role is to provide an independent clinical assessment to inform that decision.
National standard
The Austroads framework
All Intracare OT Driving Assessments are conducted in accordance with the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines — the national standard used by medical professionals, occupational therapists, and licensing authorities across Australia.
Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive (AP-G56)National standard
Austroads AP-G56 is the authoritative reference for all fitness-to-drive assessments in Australia.
Evidence-based
Assessment criteria are based on current research and clinical evidence for each condition category.
Legally recognised
Reports prepared under the Austroads framework are accepted by Transport WA and other licensing authorities.
Regularly updated
The guidelines are reviewed and updated to reflect advances in medical knowledge and road safety research.
Driver rehabilitation
Assessment is just the beginning. Where driving skills need development, we provide structured driver rehabilitation to help you reach your goals.
Adaptive equipment training
Training in the use of hand controls, spinner knobs, left-foot accelerators, and other adaptive devices.
Skills development
Structured on-road sessions targeting specific driving skills identified during assessment.
Confidence building
Graduated exposure to progressively challenging driving environments to build confidence and competence.
Cognitive strategy training
Strategies to compensate for cognitive changes affecting attention, memory, and hazard perception.
Carer and family education
Supporting families to understand the assessment process and assist with the rehabilitation journey.
Progress reassessment
Formal reassessment to document progress and update recommendations for Transport WA.
Pricing
All fees are all-inclusive packages covering assessment and report writing. Travel fees are additional where applicable.
10.5 hours
Readiness to Drive Assessment
- Referral review & preparation (0.5 hr)
- Off-road clinical assessment (1.5 hrs)
- Two on-road sessions -passenger skills + dual-control vehicle (2 × 1.5 hrs)
- Clinical analysis & comprehensive report (5 hrs)
- Liaison with GP, Transport WA, and funders (0.5 hr, if required)
NDIS
$2,036.90
Private
$2,152.50
6 hours
Fitness to Drive Assessment
- Referral review & preparation (0.5 hr)
- Off-road clinical assessment (1.5 hrs)
- On-road assessment in dual-control vehicle (1.5 hrs)
- Clinical analysis & comprehensive report (2.5 hrs)
NDIS
$1,163.94
Private
$1,230.00
Charged per hour
Driver Rehabilitation & Review
- Structured on-road rehabilitation sessions
- Adaptive equipment and compensatory strategy training
- Progress documentation and case notes
- Liaison with Transport WA and treating team as required
- An initial OTDA must be completed before capacity building commences
NDIS
$193.99/hr
Private
$205.00/hr
Every assessment is tailored to the individual. Intracare will provide a personalised quote before any assessment commences. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule — late cancellations or non-attendance may incur the full appointment fee.
How to refer
Referrals are accepted from GPs, specialists, allied health professionals, NDIS planners, and self-referrals.
- 1
Submit a referral
Complete our online referral form or contact us directly. Include relevant medical history and the reason for referral.
- 2
We contact you
Our team will contact the client (or their representative) within 2 business days to discuss the referral and arrange an appointment.
- 3
Gather documentation
We may request relevant medical reports, specialist letters, or licensing correspondence to inform the assessment.
- 4
Assessment appointment
The client attends their off-road assessment at our clinic. On-road assessment is scheduled separately if required.
- 5
Report delivered
A comprehensive written report is provided to the referrer and client, typically within 5–7 business days of assessment completion.
Who can refer
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Neurologists and rehabilitation physicians
- Orthopaedic and surgical specialists
- NDIS planners and support coordinators
- Occupational therapists and allied health
- Self-referral (with GP awareness recommended)
- Transport WA (on request)
Preparing for your assessment
A little preparation helps us make the most of your assessment time.
- Bring your current driver's licence (or learner's permit)
- Bring any relevant medical reports, specialist letters, or imaging results
- Wear your prescribed glasses or contact lenses if you use them for driving
- Bring a list of current medications
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for driving
- Arrive well-rested - avoid the assessment if you are unwell or fatigued
- Bring a support person if you would like one present during the off-road component
- Allow extra time - assessments can run longer than scheduled
Driver Resource Centre
Trusted resources to help you understand the assessment process and your rights and responsibilities as a driver.
Austroads - Assessing Fitness to Drive (AP-G56)
The national clinical guidelines used by all OT driving assessors and medical practitioners in Australia.
OT Australia - The Road Ahead Guide
A consumer guide to OT driving assessments — what to expect, your rights, and how to prepare.
Transport WA - Get a licence
Official information on obtaining a driver's licence in Western Australia, including medical requirements.
Transport WA - Report a medical condition
Information on your legal obligation to report medical conditions that may affect your fitness to drive.
Transport WA - DriveSafe guide
The official Transport WA guide to safe driving practices and licensing requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose Intracare?
OT Australia accredited assessors
Our driving assessors hold specialist accreditation and undertake ongoing professional development in driver assessment and rehabilitation.
Austroads-compliant reporting
All reports are prepared in accordance with the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines and accepted by Transport WA.
Holistic, person-centred approach
We consider your whole situation — not just your driving. We explore every option to support your independence and mobility goals.
Clear communication
We explain our findings in plain language and ensure you understand the process, the outcomes, and your options at every step.
Experienced with complex presentations
We regularly assess people with complex neurological, physical, and cognitive conditions, and have experience navigating challenging licensing situations.
Perth-based, community-focused
We are a Perth-based allied health provider with deep roots in the Western Australian community and strong relationships with local licensing and transport authorities.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact our team to discuss your situation, or submit a referral and we'll be in touch within 2 business days.