Driving is an important part of many people’s lives. As our main mode of transport the thought of not being able to drive again can be a little daunting. NDIS driving assessments provide those people with a disability the opportunity to not only pass a test but also make the suitable modifications to their vehicle that enables them to drive safely.
With an NDIS driving assessment you will be marked on your ability, with special reference to a given disability, and the subsequent processes will be put in place to either allow you to drive immediately or to work towards getting on the road again in the near future.
Why an NDIS driving assessment?
The NDIS is a government program designed to aid those with a disability in accessing their funds and support. Participants in the scheme work with a provider to enhance their independence and achieve their desired goals. One of these goals may be getting behind the wheel of a car.
As stated above, the NDIS driving assessment is designed to help people with all kinds of physical and/or mental disabilities in achieving their goal of obtaining a driver’s licence. The NDIS driving assessment works with a qualified drive instructor and a qualified specialist to provide plans that assist in a return to getting behind the wheel of a car.
What is an NDIS driving assessment?
The NDIS driving assessment consists of 2 main parts followed by an evaluation. This includes both an on-road and an off-road element to gain an understanding of the client’s health and their ability to drive. The whole assessment will be conducted in the client’s local area to enhance their comfort levels and likely ability to pass the test.
Off-road
The initial element of the test is the off-road part. This part is designed to identify and confirm the relevant disabilities or conditions that will impact on the person’s ability to drive safely. Family members are welcome to attend this stage of the test and it is often encouraged to further comfort the person with the disability and ensure that they remain confident throughout. A qualified specialist will conduct the analysis at the client’s home and should they pass this stage of the test they will then be permitted to progress to the next stage.
On-road
The on-road element is to be completed in the client’s local area, as mentioned above, so that they are confident with the roads. This stage of the NDIS driving assessment is conducted with both the qualified specialist and a drive instructor so that both elements of health and ability to drive can be tested simultaneously. The client will complete a drive around their local area in a dual-controlled car to ensure the safety of all those in the car as well as pedestrians and other drivers on the road.
Evaluation
This stage involves the outcome of the test and the next steps that can be taken by the client. The client and a family member, if present, will sit down with the qualified specialist and the driving instructor to determine the outcome of the assessment. The qualified specialist will discuss the outcome and provide the necessary means of action. Should the client be passed fit to drive then there is few steps to be taken. However, if they are not passed fit then they will be sent a report, provided with the relevant course of action and the report will also be sent to the RMS and treating doctor is applicable. This is designed to help the client to complete the necessary rehabilitation such that they will be able to complete the NDIS driving assessment in the future and pass therefore successfully obtaining a driver’s licence.