What to Expect at Your OT Driving Assessment
Being referred for a driving assessment can bring up a lot of questions, and a fair amount of anxiety. Whether the referral came from your GP, Transport for NSW, or your own decision to check in on your driving, knowing what to expect at the appointment makes a real difference. This article walks you through the full process, from what to bring on the day to what happens after the drive, so there are no surprises.
TLDR
- An OT driving assessment has two parts: an off-road clinical session (around 90-120 minutes) and an on-road practical drive (around 60-90 minutes).
- The off-road session covers medical and driving history, vision, physical function, cognitive skills, and road rules knowledge.
- The on-road drive takes place in a dual-controlled vehicle with a qualified driving instructor and your occupational therapist.
- Bring your licence, glasses or hearing aids, a medication list, and any medical reports from your GP or specialist.
- The OT provides verbal feedback at the end of the appointment; a written report follows within a set timeframe.
- Transport for NSW makes all final decisions about your licence; the OT provides clinical information to support that process.
- The assessment is designed to keep you on the road safely for as long as possible, not to catch you out.
Before Your Appointment
For an OT driving assessment in NSW, your OT may send paperwork to complete in advance, covering your medical history, driving background, and the reason for the referral. Reading through this before the day helps the assessment start smoothly.
What to bring:
- Current driver’s licence or learner permit
- Glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if you use them when driving
- A list of current medications, including doses
- Any medical or eyesight reports from your GP or specialist, if you have them
- Cushions, back supports, or any equipment you normally use when driving
For Drive & Thrive OT’s mobile service, the off-road part of the assessment is completed at your home, which means there is no need to travel to a clinic. This keeps the setting familiar and reduces the stress of getting somewhere new before the appointment has even started.
The Off-Road Clinical Session
The off-road session is the first stage and typically runs between 90 and 120 minutes. It is conducted in a comfortable, conversational setting and covers several areas in sequence. For mobile assessments, this takes place at your home.
Medical and driving history
Your occupational therapist begins with a conversation. They will ask about your diagnosis, your medications, how long you have been driving, how often and where you drive, and what has prompted the assessment. This part of the appointment is not an interrogation; it is a structured conversation to help the OT build a clear picture of your situation and your goals before the clinical checks begin. You are encouraged to be as open as you like about what feels difficult and what matters most to you.
Vision and physical checks
Your vision is assessed next, including visual acuity, visual fields, and contrast sensitivity. Physical function is also reviewed: range of motion, strength, coordination, sensation, and reaction time across the relevant limbs. If you wear glasses, contact lenses, or a hearing aid when driving, bring them and use them throughout the assessment. Zenith Williams, our occupational therapist, approaches this component with a focus on what you can do and what strategies or equipment might support any areas of difficulty.
Cognitive and road rules review
The OT will also assess the cognitive skills involved in safe driving: memory, attention, concentration, processing speed, and judgement. Road rules knowledge may be tested through situational questions or brief scenarios. These checks help identify whether the cognitive foundations for driving are intact and whether any area warrants further support. The results inform the recommendations in the written report rather than producing a pass or fail on their own.
The On-Road Practical Drive
The on-road assessment takes place in a dual-controlled vehicle. A qualified driving instructor sits in the front passenger seat and has access to a separate set of pedals at all times. Your occupational therapist observes from the rear seat, recording performance throughout the drive. The dual controls mean the instructor can intervene immediately if needed: they are there for your safety and theirs.
Before the route begins, you are given time to sit in the vehicle, adjust the seat and mirrors, and become comfortable with the car. The route itself is planned through local roads that reflect the conditions you actually drive in, including suburban streets, intersections, roundabouts, and higher-speed sections where appropriate. It is not designed to trip you up; it is designed to show how you handle everyday driving.
Skills assessed during the on-road component include: starting and stopping, lane discipline, speed management, hazard perception, intersections, lane changes, roundabouts, parking, and blind-spot checks. The drive typically runs 60 to 90 minutes.
After Your Drive: What Happens Next
Once the drive is complete, your OT sits down with you to provide verbal feedback. They will walk through the key findings from both the off-road and on-road components and explain what the outcome means in practical terms.
A written report is then prepared and provided to you, your GP, and Transport for NSW, with your consent. The report covers the assessment outcome, any licence conditions recommended, recommendations for vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment, and suggested next steps such as driving lessons or a follow-up medical review. If vehicle modifications are recommended, a separate vehicle modification assessment can identify the right equipment and trial it with you before any conditions are formalised.
It is important to note that the OT does not make the decision about your licence. Transport for NSW reviews the report alongside other information and makes all final licensing decisions. The OT provides clinical evidence; the licensing authority acts on it.
Common Questions Before the Day
| Question | Answer |
| What if I am nervous? | Nerves are completely normal. The OT and driving instructor will explain each part of the assessment as it happens. Many people find the on-road component less daunting than they expected once they are behind the wheel. |
| Can I drive to the assessment? | Check with your OT when you book. If your licence is under review, there may be conditions on when and where you can drive. |
| What if the outcome is not what I hoped for? | The assessment does not end at pass or fail. Outcomes can include conditions, vehicle modifications, driving lessons, or a plan for reassessment, all with the aim of keeping you on the road. |
| How long until I receive the written report? | Timeframes vary by provider. Drive & Thrive OT will confirm turnaround time when you book, so you know when to expect the report. |
Ready to Book Your Assessment?
Drive & Thrive OT provides mobile OT driving assessments across Greater Western Sydney, including Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Campbelltown, The Hills District, and surrounding areas. The mobile service means your off-road session is done at home, and your on-road route covers the local roads you already know.
If you have a referral from your GP or Transport for NSW, or if you would simply like to talk through whether an assessment is right for you, submit a referral online or call the team directly. We will explain the fees, what to prepare, and the next available appointment before you commit to anything.
This article provides general information only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified health professional or contact Transport for NSW directly.