Driving Solutions

For many individuals, driving holds the key to their independence. Independence in self-care activities, home management, work and leisure pursuits. Following illness or injury, many people want to know when they can be cleared to resume driving. Sometimes a person has had an accident and wants to know whether they are still safe to drive. A person's physician makes the decision when a person is medically safe to resume driving.

Purpose

The purpose of Driving Solutions is to provide the client and the client's doctor with a detailed assessment of a person's driving skills. The driving assessment also attempts to determine what factors might be interfering with safe driving. When applicable, it offers solutions to improve the skills needed for safe driving.

Who Can Take the Driving Test?

• All individuals must have a physician's referral for the driving evaluation.
• Many individuals are referred following an extended illness or recovery period.
• Common medical conditions include stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease.
• A person may also be referred following an accident or an episode of getting lost.

What Does the Test Involve?

In-clinic Testing:

• evaluates physical function, vision, perception, reaction time, and cognition.
• obtains a detailed medical and driving history.
• all results are reviewed in detail with the client on the day of testing
• total testing time is 2-3 hours.

On-the-Road Testing:

• performed (on a separate day) if the client performs well enough during the in-clinic testing
• client drives a dual brake car in familiar locations, i.e., home, store, work, etc.
• all test results and recommendations will be discussed on the day of the test
• total testing time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Telephone Numbers

General questions regarding the Driving Solutions Program: 314-768-3885.

To set-up testing, call Forest Park Hospital Central Scheduling: 314-768-3070.

Cost

Individuals should consult their medical insurance provider for details on coverage.

The costs for private payment are as follows:
In-clinic assessment: $250.00
On-the-road assessment: $175.00
Car rental for dual brake car: $61.50