Regaining the independence of driving is a common goal following an illness or injury. This crucial step towards safety is your first move toward secure driving.
We’re here to help you get back on the road with confidence. A Mary Free Bed driver pre-evaluation offers a comprehensive driving assessment for adults 18 and older.
Mary Free Bed occupational therapists are compassionate partners on the journey back to safe driving. In this 60-minute, comprehensive evaluation, we’ll assess driving essentials – including vision, cognitive, and physical skills –to ensure you’re road-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a driver readiness evaluation?
This comprehensive 60-minute evaluation is performed by a Mary Free Bed occupational therapist. We’ll assess the physical, cognitive and visual skills needed to drive safely.
When should I consider requesting a driver readiness evaluation?
Driver readiness evaluations are designed for individuals aged 18 and older who, along with their families or caregivers, have concerns about their ability to drive safely.
If you’ve experienced a significant change to your mental or physical status, you should consider an assessment. These changes could be a factor of:
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain injury
- Seizure
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Any medical condition impacting your vision, cognition or physical ability to drive
What does a driver readiness evaluation look like?
When referred to Mary Free Bed, you’ll visit our Grand Rapids Outpatient Clinic. Your occupational therapist will evaluate the following factors:
Vision Skills
- Night vision
- Field of vision
- Depth perception
- Sign recognition
- Visual spatial, perceptual, attention and memory skills
Cognitive Skills
- Short- and long-term memory
- Alternating attention
- Orientation and navigation
- Processing speed
Physical Skills
- Right lower extremity strength, proprioception and reaction time
- Arm movement and strength
- Hand strength and finger mobility
- Trunk mobility and rotation
What is the cost?
Driver readiness evaluation is covered by insurance as an occupational therapy evaluation. Any on-road evaluation and training that might be recommended following this evaluation would be an out-of-pocket expense. If needed, your Mary Free Bed therapist can help provide recommendations on organizations who provide the on-road evaluation.
Assessment & Recommendations
Your referring physician will receive your evaluation report. This report will provide a risk level (low, medium, or high risk) of a potential vehicle accident based on your scores and abilities.
Depending on your assessed level of risk, we may recommend a formal on-road driver evaluation. These types of on-road assessments are not provided by Mary Free Bed.
How do I request a referral?
Request a referral from your PCP or any other physician who is a part of your care. The referring provider should indicate “OT evaluation and treat – pre-driving eval” on the referral to better ensure your insurance will cover this service.
Contact us
616.840.8000
800.668.6001