POTENTIAL TO DRIVE ASSESSMENT

A Potential to Drive Assessment helps young people and adults explore whether learning to drive could be a realistic future goal, particularly when disability, learning differences, anxiety or support needs may make the pathway less straightforward.

Rather than acting as a driving test, this assessment looks at readiness. It helps identify what is already working well, what may need to be strengthened first, and whether driving lessons, pre-driving therapy or other community mobility options are the most appropriate next step Potential to Drive Assessment is a pre-driving occupational therapy assessment for people who are beginning to explore whether driving may be a realistic future goal.

This assessment may be relevant for: 

• People with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, learning disability, developmental delay, psychosocial disability, anxiety, executive function difficulties, visual processing challenges or other conditions that affect learning, attention, planning, coordination or safety awareness.
• Learner or pre-learner drivers who are wondering whether driving is something to keep working towards
• People who may need disability-informed support before starting or continuing driving lessons
• People who find planning, attention, processing information, road rules, coordination, anxiety or safety judgement more challenging
• Families, carers, support coordinators or referrers who want clearer guidance before committing time and funding to specialised driving lessons
• NDIS participants who may need recommendations about driving readiness, skill development, therapy goals or alternative transport optionsYoung people or adults with disability who are considering driving in the future

The assessment looks beyond whether someone can control a car. It considers the everyday thinking, movement, learning and safety skills that sit underneath driving, such as noticing important road information, staying focused, processing information quickly enough, applying road rules, solving problems, managing emotions and responding to feedback.

It also considers broader independence and community mobility skills, including planning, responsibility, pedestrian safety, public transport use, routines, support networks and the practical capacity for practice between sessions 

1. Background information about the person’s goals, disability or health needs, learning history, current licence status, transport needs and available supports
2. An off-road clinical session to explore relevant physical, visual, cognitive, road-safety and life skills areas
3. A passenger-based on-road session with a specialised driving instructor, to see how skills carry over into real traffic situations
4. A short behind-the-wheel component if the person has the required permit and clearance, and if it is safe and clinically useful to include
5. A written report that explains the outcome, key strengths, areas of concern, recommendations and suggested next steps 

This assessment does not decide whether someone is legally allowed to drive, and it does not guarantee driving lessons, NDIS funding, a licence or future test success.

It also does not replace a formal OT Driving Assessment if one is required by a doctor, Transport for NSW or another relevant authority. Its purpose is to provide a clearer, clinically reasoned pathway so the person, family and referrers can make informed decisions about what to do next.