Clinical Driving Evaluation

Course overview

Driving is a complex task that requires multiple physical and cognitive processes working in unison to perform. Age alone is not a determining factor in a person's ability to drive safely, but many older drivers can benefit from a comprehensive driving evaluation to identify and address any existing deficits. Unfortunately, there are several barriers that limit the availability of these beneficial evaluations to the growing population of older adults. The CODE CCDE program model uses a unique collaborative approach to the delivery of driver services that falls within the spectrum of driver services. The spectrum of driver services was a collaborative effort by The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and AOTA to define the language and models used in driving programs. The cornerstone of this approach is ongoing training and support of participating therapists to ensure clinical driving evaluations are superior, rigorous, and follow established best practice guidelines. Trained therapists in the CODE-CCDE program should be able to- Apply knowledge of medical conditions with implications to driving Assess the cognitive, visual, perceptual, behavioral and physical limitations that may impact driving performance Integrate the clinical findings with assessment of on-road performance Synthesize client and caregiver needs and assist in decisions about available options Coordinate with multidisciplinary providers to provide resources related to the needs of clients.