Adult Outpatient Programs and Services Driver Evaluation and Training

Adult Outpatient Programs and Services

Driver Evaluation and Training

About The Program
Current research indicates that most physically challenged people can become competent, safe drivers when given the proper instruction. This instruction should include comprehensive evaluation by physicians and occupational therapists, as well as specialized training by instructors who are experts in teaching physically challenged drivers.

Combined with specialized training, the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute's Driver Training program is designed to meet the unique needs of physically challenged individuals. The primary goal of the state-certified program is to help these individuals become more independent by teaching and equipping them to drive safely to work, school or social and recreational events.

The program includes pre-driver evaluation, on-the-road evaluation, on-the-road training, instruction in the use of adaptive equipment and assistance in preparing for and taking the state driver's license test.

Who Should Enter The Program

The program is open to any person who has a physical disability, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, a cerebral vascular injury, an amputated limb or a hearing impairment.

Individuals may arrange to join the program themselves, or their physician, family members, insurance companies, the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or the New York Office of Vocational Rehabilitation may refer them.

To enter the program, clients must first obtain written medical clearance from their physician, as well as recent medical history information. This information should include complete documentation of all necessary medical precautions and restrictions. Clients under the age of 18 must also obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Pre-Driver Evaluation

Before going on the road, all clients receive a pre-driver evaluation by a licensed occupational therapist. Using specialized testing equipment, the therapist assesses the visual, perceptual, cognitive, functional and physical skills, including reaction time of each client. Recommendations regarding the need for adaptive equipment and additional skills training are based on the results of the evaluation.

In some cases, our state-of-the-art driver training simulator may be used for further assessment and training of driving candidates. The computerized simulator realistically duplicates on-the-road driving conditions in a controlled, hazard-free setting. By continuously monitoring the driver's performance and response times, the evaluator can detect potential driving deficiencies and assist the client in correcting them, before going on the road.

On-the-Road Evaluation

When the pre-driver evaluation indicates a need for further assessment, a full-time, state-certified driving instructor provides on-the-road evaluation of clients. The Driver Training Program offers two types of on-the-road evaluation:

1. Basic Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation - This evaluation, given when a client performs marginally on the pre-driver evaluation, is used to assess basic driving skills while the client uses the appropriate adaptive driving equipment. The results are a good indication of future success with driver training.

2. Comprehensive Evaluation - This three-session evaluation (up to 5 total hours) was developed to meet the special needs of clients with traumatic head injuries. The multiple sessions allow the driving instructor to assess clients at different times of the day in a wide variety of traffic situations. This evaluation is designed to detect problems, such as poor judgment, distractibility, impulsiveness and short attention span.

On-the-Road Training

Based on the results of the pre-driver and on-the-road evaluations, the driving instructor will design and implement an individualized driver-training plan suited to each client's specific needs. The driving instructor will teach each client to drive using an individualized plan using the most appropriate adaptive equipment. The duration of the training period varies according to the client's progress.

Acquiring Adaptive Equipment

In addition to teaching clients how to operate adaptive equipment, the driving instructor also provides information regarding suppliers and funding for the equipment. Available equipment includes:

Fully-automatic transmission
Hand-controlled accelerator and braking systems
Extended gas pedal
Extended spinner knobs for steering
Hand-operated dimmer switches (parking brakes)
Accelerators and parking brake handles on alternate sides of the steering column.

Competency Road Test

When the training period is completed, each client must schedule an appointment for the state driver's license road test. In most cases, the driving instructor will accompany the client to the test in one of the Johnson Institute's driver training vehicles.

More Information

To register for the Driver Training Program, to refer a client or to receive more information, please call the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at (732) 321-7056.