Driving and vehicle rehabilitation support

DRIVING & VEHICLE SUPPORT

Supporting Safer, More Independent Driving

Explore practical driving and vehicle support equipment designed to assist comfort, positioning, access and functional driving needs.

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OT DRIVING REHABILITATION

What Is the OT Driving Rehabilitation Program?

The OT Driving Rehabilitation Program is a specialised service designed to support people who have experienced an injury, illness, disability or psychological condition that may affect their ability to drive safely and confidently.

The program takes a person-centred approach to understanding the physical, cognitive, functional and psychological factors that may affect driving.

Depending on individual needs, rehabilitation may involve occupational therapy, driving rehabilitation and psychological support, with collaboration between relevant treating professionals where appropriate.

Our aim is to identify and address the barriers that may affect a person's ability to return to driving, while supporting safety, confidence, independence and meaningful community participation.

INDIVIDUALISED REHABILITATION

What Does the Program Involve?

The rehabilitation pathway is tailored to the person's presentation, driving goals and identified functional needs. Depending on individual circumstances, the program may include:

Comprehensive assessment of physical, cognitive, visual and functional abilities relevant to driving.

Assessment of current driving difficulties, functional limitations and safety concerns.

Off-road assessment of driving-related skills, abilities and functional performance.

On-road assessment in a dual-control vehicle with an appropriately qualified driving instructor, where appropriate.

Graded driving rehabilitation and targeted development of driving-related skills.

Graded exposure and confidence-building strategies to support progression toward driving.

Psychological rehabilitation strategies for driving-related anxiety, trauma, fear of driving or PTSD where clinically appropriate.

Strategies to manage anxiety, stress and psychological responses associated with driving.

Identification of vehicle modifications, adaptive equipment or driving strategies that may improve safety and independence.

Liaison with treating doctors, psychologists, insurers, driving instructors and other relevant professionals where appropriate.

Recommendations regarding driving capacity, rehabilitation requirements and return-to-driving goals.

Follow-up assessment to review progress and support ongoing driving independence.

PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION

Support for PTSD, Anxiety & Fear of Driving

Following a traumatic event, driving can become associated with fear, anxiety, avoidance and reduced confidence.

Where psychological barriers are affecting a person's ability to engage in driving-related activities, rehabilitation may focus on gradually rebuilding tolerance, confidence and participation in a safe and structured manner.

Driving-related PTSD symptoms

Anxiety or panic associated with driving

Fear and avoidance of specific driving situations

Hypervigilance and heightened alertness

Reduced confidence following a traumatic event

Rebuilding tolerance for road environments

Graded return to driving-related activities

Practical coping and self-management strategies

Psychological rehabilitation is tailored to the individual's presentation and may be coordinated with the person's treating psychologist or other mental health professionals where appropriate.

OUR GOAL

Safe. Confident. Independent.

Our goal is to support each individual to achieve the highest appropriate level of safe, confident and independent driving possible.

Where a return to unrestricted driving is not immediately appropriate, rehabilitation focuses on gradual progression, addressing identified barriers and developing practical strategies to support safe community access and independence.

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Driving & Vehicle Support Equipment

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Psychological Driving Rehabilitation Program

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Vehicle modification and adaptive driving equipment

Vehicle Modification & Driving Equipment

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Driving & Vehicle Support Equipment

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CATEGORY 01

Psychological Driving Rehabilitation Program

Our Psychological Driving Rehabilitation Program is designed for individuals experiencing PTSD, anxiety, fear or avoidance associated with driving following a traumatic event.

The program combines psychological therapy, technology-assisted exposure and practical driving rehabilitation to support a structured and gradual return to driving.

Psychotherapy with a Psychologist

Individual psychological sessions focused on addressing trauma-related symptoms, driving anxiety, fear, avoidance and other psychological barriers affecting driving.

Driving-Specific CBT Training

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy strategies tailored specifically to driving-related anxiety and PTSD, with a focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, developing coping strategies and rebuilding confidence.

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Virtual Reality technology may be used to provide controlled and progressive exposure to driving-related situations before progressing to real-world driving.

Graded Return-to-Driving Program

Following psychological preparation and exposure, clients may progress through an individualised graded return-to-driving program led by an Occupational Therapist in collaboration with a rehabilitation-trained driving instructor.

Specialised Driving Vehicle

Practical driving rehabilitation may be conducted using a specialised dual-control vehicle, allowing clients to progressively develop driving skills and confidence in a safe and controlled environment.

A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH

From Psychological Preparation to Independent Driving

The program progressively moves from psychological preparation → controlled exposure → practical driving rehabilitation → graded return to independent driving.

Progression is based on each individual's symptoms, functional capacity, confidence and safety.

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CATEGORY 02

Vehicle Modification & Driving Equipment

Our Vehicle Modification service assists individuals who have experienced an injury, disability or change in physical or cognitive function that may affect their ability to safely operate a vehicle.

An Occupational Therapist assesses the individual's functional abilities, driving requirements and vehicle needs to identify appropriate modifications or adaptive equipment.

Recommendations are tailored to support safe, comfortable and independent driving.

Functional & Vehicle Assessment

Comprehensive assessment of functional driving needs, current abilities, vehicle suitability and the specific requirements that may influence equipment or modification recommendations.

Adaptive Driving Controls

Assessment and recommendation of adaptive controls including steering aids, spinner knobs, hand controls, alternative accelerator systems, pedal modifications and pedal extensions.

Seating, Positioning & Vehicle Access

Consideration of seating and positioning modifications, electronic access solutions and equipment designed to assist with vehicle entry and exit.

Equipment Trial & Recommendation

Where appropriate, recommended equipment and modifications may be trialled before installation to assess suitability, functionality and safety.

Modification Coordination

Liaison with vehicle modification specialists, installers and other relevant professionals to support appropriate implementation of recommended modifications.

Post-Modification Review & Training

Post-modification review, driving assessment, education and practical training may be provided to support safe and effective use of modified vehicle controls.

OUR APPROACH

Trial Before Modification

Where appropriate, recommended modifications can be trialled in a specialised vehicle before installation. This allows the Occupational Therapist and client to determine whether the equipment is suitable, functional and safe for the individual's specific needs.

Our aim is to ensure that vehicle modifications are not only technically suitable, but also practical and matched to the person's driving goals, functional abilities and everyday needs.

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CATEGORY 03