DRIVER ADAPTATIONS & TRANSPORTATION

Question 1

what is the three-tiered expertise framework endorced by CAOT about driver evaluations?

Answer 1

generalist health professional training – addresses driving
subskills (ROM, fine and gross motor function)

advanced occupational therapy training – More detailed aspects (visual scanning, adaptations)

advanced-specialized occupational therapy training (Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist training) – (in-depth pre-driving and on-road assessments with a registered driver
instructor)

Question 2

is driving provincially regulated?

Answer 2

yes

Question 3

what are the 2 divisions of RMV?

Answer 3

¤ The Medical Division
¤ Driver Compliance

Question 4

what is the physicians duty?

Answer 4

to report patients whom they believe to be unfit to drive to the relevant provincial or territorial motor vehicle
licensing authority.

Question 5

what are the reporting regulations regarding reporting by physicians?

Answer 5

̈ Nova Scotia, Quebec, – Discretionary
̈ Alberta – Not directly addressed – interpreted as
discretionary
̈ BC – Mandatory if the unfit driver has been warned
of the danger and continues to drive
̈ All other provinces and Territories – Mandatory

Question 6

can OTs report an at risk driver?

Answer 6

̈ Regulations changed in 2019 and OTs are now listed in the amended Motor Vehicle Act as one of the Health professional that can report a client

Question 7

are OTs protected if they do report?

Answer 7

As long as the OT is acting in good faith and in accordance with the standard of a “reasonable OT”
in those circumstances, then an individual cannot successfully bring a lawsuit against them for making a report

Question 8

when do you report as an OT?

Answer 8

¤ The OT is of the opinion that a person is “afflicted with mental or physical infirmities or disabilities rendering it unsafe for such patient to drive”

¤ The OT has reasonable grounds to have this belief

Question 9

do OTs have a duty to report?

Answer 9

no

Question 10

what do we recommend doing instead of directly reporting?

Answer 10

the OT provides input and the physician contacts the
Registry if appropriate.

Question 11

where is the NSHA DRIVER EVALUATION
PROGRAM?

Answer 11

Based at the Nova Scotia Arthritis and
Rehabilitation Centre

Question 12

how much is the NSHA DRIVER EVALUATION PROGRAM?

Answer 12

480 dollars

Question 13

what are the steps of evaluation?

Answer 13

Clinical Assessment

On Road Assessment (Behind the wheel)

Recommendations and Final Report- sent to referring physician/NP, Primary Care Professional (MD or NP), and the Registry of Motor Vehicles, if written consent is received
from the client

Question 14

what are requirements for driving?

Answer 14

Physical Function
¤ Strength and Range of Motion (Dynamometer)
¤ Reaction Time

Visual-Perceptual Function

Cognitive Function

Functional Review

Question 15

what is driving contraindicated for?

Answer 15

frontal/Lewy Body dementias

Question 16

what are FUNDAMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR
DRIVING WITH ADAPTATIONS?

Answer 16

Ingress/Egress:
— Transfer ability determines the type of vehicle and extent of modifications (sedan vs mini van vs truck vs full sized van)

— Primary/Secondary Controls:
— Driver must have access to and the ability to manipulate them

— Occupant Protection:
— Driver and passengers must have approved restraint systems
— Wheelchair is restrained separately
— Occupant requires own system

Question 17

what is the eligibility criteria you must meet to use access a bus?

Answer 17

Require use of a wheelchair or scooter

Unable to step up or down a 35 cm step unassisted

Unable to walk 175 meters outside
unassisted

Have 20/200 vision or less

Unable to use conventional transit due to cognitive or physical disabilities