Supporting independence, safety, and confidence when driving feels uncertain.
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments Across Greater Western Sydney
Drive & Thrive OT offers independent, evidence-based occupational therapy driving assessments for drivers across Greater Western Sydney, helping you understand your fitness to drive and make confident, informed decisions about staying safely behind the wheel.
THE DRIVE & THRIVE DIFFERENCE
Independent OT Driving Assessments You Can Trust
Keeping your licence matters. So does staying safe behind the wheel.
Drive & Thrive OT delivers occupational therapy driving assessments across Greater Western Sydney for older drivers, people recovering from a medical event, and anyone asked by their GP or Transport for NSW to confirm their fitness to drive.
Our assessments are clear, fair and conducted by qualified driver-trained occupational therapists. You will leave with a result, a written report, and a practical plan for what comes next.
Book your assessment today or call our team to discuss your situation.
HOW WE HELP
Practical, real-world driving assessments
Functional driving assessment
We assess the physical, cognitive, and visual skills needed for everyday driving situations for personal and commercial driving purposes.
Person-centred approach
Each assessment considers individual health, experience, and circumstances no one-size-fits-all process.
Mobile service across Sydney
Assessments are completed in familiar home or community environments where appropriate.
Clear professional reporting
Reports provide functional information to support informed medical and licensing decisions.
Next Steps
A clear and supportive process
We aim to make the assessment process simple and supportive, with clear communication at each stage so you know what to expect.
Recommendations may also include equipment and home environment assessments to support safer daily function.
Enquire or Submit a Referral
Get in touch directly or have your GP or specialist send through a referral. We will confirm your eligibility, fees and timing.
Off-Road Clinical Session
We meet with you to review your medical history and complete the clinical components of the assessment.
On-Road Driving Assessment
You complete a practical drive with our occupational therapist and a qualified driving instructor in a dual-controlled vehicle.
Report and Recommendations
Within a clear timeframe, we provide a written report with your outcome, recommendations and any conditions for ongoing driving.
When You May Need an Assessment
When You May Need an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment
Most people are referred for an OT driving assessment after a change in health, age or licence status. You may need one if:
- Your GP, specialist or Transport for NSW has requested a fitness to drive assessment
- You are an older driver completing a medical or practical driving review
- You are returning to driving after a stroke, brain injury, surgery or cardiac event
- You live with a condition such as dementia, Parkinson’s, MS, epilepsy or a vision impairment
- You need vehicle modifications or adaptive driving equipment assessed
- You are an NDIS participant working towards a driving goal
If you are unsure whether an assessment applies to you, give us a call. We will help you work it out.
What's Included
What’s Included in Your OT Driving Assessment
Every assessment includes two key parts, completed in one appointment or split across two visits depending on your needs.
Off-Road Clinical Assessment
A structured review of the medical, physical and cognitive factors that influence safe driving, including vision, reaction time, memory, attention and movement.
On-Road Practical Assessment
A real-world drive with a qualified occupational therapist and driving instructor in a dual-controlled vehicle, completed on familiar Western Sydney roads.
Written Report and Recommendations
A clear, evidence-based report sent to you, your GP and Transport for NSW where required. We outline the outcome, any conditions, and the next steps you can take.
Who We Work With
Who We Work With
Drive & Thrive OT supports drivers across every stage of life and a wide range of medical situations.
Older drivers managing age-related changes to vision, mobility or processing speed
Adults living with neurological, cardiac, musculoskeletal or chronic condition
People returning to driving after illness, injury or hospitalisation
NDIS participants pursuing learner permits, returning to drive or assessing modifications
Families and carers organising assessments on behalf of a loved one
GPs, specialists, allied health teams and case managers needing a trusted OT referral
Service Area
Servicing Drivers Across Greater Western Sydney
We deliver occupational therapy driving assessments throughout Western Sydney, including:
Parramatta, Westmead & Auburn
Penrith, St Marys and the Blue Mountains foothills
Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Rouse Hill
Liverpool, Fairfield and Cabramatta
Campbelltown, Camden and the Macarthur region
The Hills District, including Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills
On-road assessments are completed in your local area so the route reflects the roads you actually drive.
Why Choose Us
Why Drivers Across Western Sydney Choose Drive & Thrive OT
Driver-trained occupational therapists with deep experience in NSW assessments
Local on-road routes that match the conditions you drive in every day
Clear, respectful communication from your first call to your final report
Reports accepted by Transport for NSW, GPs and specialist teams
Support for private clients, NDIS participants, insurers and aged care referrals
Practical recommendations, not just a pass or fail
Related services
FAQ
Frequently asked Questions
OT Driving Assessments in NSW
What Is an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
An occupational therapy driving assessment is a specialised review of your ability to drive safely, completed by a qualified occupational therapist with additional driver training. It looks at the medical, physical and cognitive factors that affect driving, then confirms this with an on-road drive in a dual-controlled vehicle. The outcome is a clear recommendation about whether you can continue driving, drive with conditions, or need further support.
Who Needs a Medical Driving Assessment in NSW?
A medical driving assessment is usually requested when health, age or a recent medical event raises questions about safe driving. Common reasons include a GP referral after a stroke or surgery, a Transport for NSW request following a medical notification, or an older driver review. Families also organise assessments when they are concerned about a loved one’s driving and want an independent, professional opinion.
How Long Does a Fitness to Drive Assessment Take?
A full fitness to drive assessment typically runs between two and three hours. This includes the off-road clinical review, the on-road practical drive, and time to discuss your initial results. The written report follows shortly after. We aim to make the process as comfortable as possible, with breaks built in and the appointment paced to suit you.
What Happens During the On-Road Driving Assessment?
The on-road component is completed in a dual-controlled vehicle with a qualified driving instructor and your occupational therapist. You drive a planned route through familiar local roads, including suburban streets, intersections and higher-speed sections where appropriate. The aim is to see how you handle real driving situations, not to catch you out. You will be guided clearly throughout the drive.
Will My GP and Transport for NSW Receive the Assessment Report?
Yes. With your consent, your written report is shared with your GP and submitted to Transport for NSW where the assessment was requested by them. You also receive your own copy. The report explains your result, the reasons behind it, and any recommendations or conditions, so everyone involved understands the outcome and the path forward.
Can I Still Drive if I Need Vehicle Modifications?
Often, yes. Many drivers continue to drive safely with the right vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment, such as left foot accelerators, hand controls or steering aids. As part of your occupational therapy driving assessment, we can recommend equipment and trial options where suitable, so you can keep driving with confidence and independence.
How Much Does an OT Driving Assessment Cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of assessment, whether vehicle modifications are involved, and the funding source. Private, NDIS, insurer and aged care fees may all differ. Our team will provide a clear quote before you book, so you know exactly what to expect. Get in touch and we will walk you through the right option for your situation.
Do You Offer Driving Assessments for Older Drivers?
Yes. Older driver assessments are one of the most common services we provide across Western Sydney. We approach every assessment with respect for the driver’s independence and experience, while focusing on practical safety. Many older drivers complete the assessment and continue driving, sometimes with simple recommendations to help them stay safe on the road for longer.
How Do I Book an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
You can book an OT driving assessment by calling Drive & Thrive OT or completing our online enquiry form. If you have a referral from your GP, specialist or Transport for NSW, please have it ready. Our team will confirm your details, explain the fees, and offer the next available appointment at a time and location that suits you.
Book Your Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment
Booking your assessment is straightforward. Our team will explain the fees, paperwork and what to bring before your appointment.
Whether you have been asked to complete an assessment by your GP, Transport for NSW or your family, we will guide you through every step.
Call Drive & Thrive OT or enquire online to book your occupational therapy driving assessment in Greater Western Sydney.