Driver Evaluation & Training

The CHI Health Driver Evaluation & Training Program helps individuals with various medical conditions gain or maintain their independence through safe driving. This is accomplished through a combination of clinical evaluation, behind-the-wheel evaluation and continued driving training (when applicable). 

Our Team

Our team is led by a Registered Occupational Therapist who specializes in driving assessment and rehabilitation and is also recognized by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles as a Certified Driver Training School Instructor. We work closely with physicians, families and when appropriate other community resources to ensure the necessary services are provided for the individual.

People We Serve

Individuals with a Change in Medical Status that Impacts Driving

Driving skills can often decline with age and with some medical conditions. Limitations need to be recognized so drivers can compensate accordingly. Recommendations and training are available to improve existing skills, identify necessary restrictions, or identify the need to retire from driving. Should driving cessation be recommended, transportation alternatives can be discussed.   

Individuals Requiring Modified Vehicles or Adaptive Equipment

Individuals with various medical conditions, who have difficulty managing traditional vehicle controls due to: 

• Lower extremity amputation; impairment or loss of sensation/ motor control of the lower extremities. 
• Upper extremity amputation or impairment resulting in difficulty steering or managing secondary controls. 
• Difficulty transferring into/out of the driver’s seat, or the need for a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Note: There are grants and state programs that MAY cover the cost of evaluation, training, and adaptive equipment for individuals needing modified vehicles. Please inquire for more information.

New Drivers with Physical or Cognitive Considerations

Individuals of all ages who have special considerations regarding their ability to learn to drive. This could be physical barriers or cognitive challenges. Behind the wheel training is available for all new drivers who qualify. Examples of this would include, but are not limited to, individuals with spinal bifida, autism, Asperger's syndrome, learning disabilities, spinal cord injury, brain injury, cerebral palsy, etc.

Warning signs that an individual should have their driving evaluated

• Difficulty managing tasks that were once familiar to them
• Difficulty managing medication or finances
• Feeling nervous or fearful while driving
• Dents and scrapes on the car (garage, fences, mailbox, etc.)
• Friends or relative don't want to ride with them
• Other drivers honking
• Doesn't observe signs, signals or other traffic
• Needs instruction from passengers
• Slow or poor decision making
• Easily distracted
• Easily frustrated or confused
• Frequently gets lost, even in familiar areas
• Inappropriate driving speeds (too fast or slow)
• Poor lane position or wide turns
• Slowed reaction times
• Two or more collisions or near misses even if "it was the other person's fault."
• Drifting across lane marking, swerving in the lane or failing to signal
• Confusion between gas and brake pedal
• Looking down at feet when switching between gas and brake
• Forgetting to buckle up
• Difficulty merging on the interstate or onto busy streets
• Failing to check blind spots by looking over the shoulder

Clinical Evaluation

This portion of the evaluation can be different depending on diagnosis and current driving status. Some potential topics covered are medical history, reason for referral, and individual goals for driving. Some areas of assessments will be visual perceptual skills, basic driving rules, memory, the ability to sustain and divide attention, range of motion, strength, reaction time, transfer ability and potential adaptive equipment needs. If the clinical assessment determines the need for adaptive equipment, or the individual is a new driver then behind-the-wheel assessment will be waived and training will begin.

Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation

This is a continuation of the clinical assessment and helps to determine how its findings impact the ability to safely operate a vehicle. Attempts will be made to drive in areas that most closely simulate the individual's driving environment. CHI Health will provide the vehicle for the behind-the wheel assessment. 

After the Evaluation

Once you have completed the driving assessment, the instructor will review the results with you and one of the following recommendations will be made:

1. Safe to drive 
2. Unsafe to drive- retire from driving
3. Adaptive equipment required to drive 
4. Driver’s training recommended (Typically for new drivers or drivers requiring adaptive equipment)
5. Restricted driving (Restricted to a certain speed, geographical location, or time of day)

The report that includes the recommendations are sent back to the referring provider. It is ultimately up to the referring provider on whether they agree/disagree with the recommendations. If a change in license status is recommended, we will provide the referring provider with the necessary forms to inform the appropriate entities. 

Requirements

1. Physician referral is required to participate in the program. 
2. Driver Rehabilitation services are cash-based, fee for service. Payment is expected at the time of service and payment can be made in the form of cash, check, credit or debit card.
   Fees are $210 for the clinical portion and $140 for the behind the wheel evaluation. If recommended, additional training is available at $80 per hour.  Outside funding such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Workers' Compensation will be accepted with prior authorization.
3. New driving candidates must be at least 15 years of age and meet requirements necessary to obtain a state driver's license or permit.