Driver Advisement
What is the Driver Advisement Program?
Whether it be from illness or injury, driving a vehicle may no longer be advisable for some people. The Driver Advisement Program is a safe and effective computerized assessment designed to measure cognitive and perceptual motor skills as they relate to driving. It can also help identify areas that may be improved upon through physical therapy or other forms of medical attention.
Is this program right for me?
The Driver Advisement Program helps determine if a person is mentally able to safely drive a vehicle. Medications, drug or alcohol abuse, brain trauma, head injury, stroke or dementia resulting from Alzheimer's disease can all affect the ability to drive.
What functions are assessed?
The Program tests both cognitive and perceptual motor skills as they relate to driving. The test covers the following areas:
- Memory
- Reaction time
- Ability to handle situations requiring complex decision-making
- Ability to adapt to a changing situation
- Visual and perceptual ability
- Judgment and coordination
- Endurance, attention and concentration
What happens with the results of the assessment?
First and foremost, we share the results with the patient and the patient's family, if applicable. From there, a referral may be made to the Secretary of State Driver's Enhancement Program for an on-the-road driving test. The results may also be shared with the Mary Free Bed Hospital's On the Road Program. The Secretary of State Driver's License Bureau makes the final decision to permit driving.
How do I begin?
If you or someone you know may benefit from the Driver Advisement Program, consult with your physician or call Hackley Rehabilitation, 231.737.7206, to initiate the referral. The evaluation is a specialized test that most insurance companies will cover in part or whole. We will galdly discuss this with you and your insurance carrier.
