Do you complete driving assessments in NSW only?

Yes. Drive & Thrive OT currently provides OT driving assessments within New South Wales only, primarily across Greater Western Sydney.

Who usually refers for a driving assessment?

Referrals may come from medical practitioners, specialists, funding bodies, or individuals seeking a clearer understanding of their driving-related function.

What does an OT driving assessment involve?

An OT driving assessment considers the physical, cognitive and visual skills needed for everyday driving situations, with recommendations and reporting to support informed next steps.

Do you complete commercial driving assessments for return to work?

Yes. Drive & Thrive OT can assist with commercial driving assessments for licence classes including R, LR, MR, HR, HC, MC and forklift licence.

What is an occupational therapy assessment?

An occupational therapy assessment is a structured evaluation completed by a qualified OT to understand how a person manages daily tasks and activities. Depending on the purpose, it may examine driving ability, physical and cognitive function, home safety, or the need for specific equipment. The outcome is typically a written report used to inform care planning, funding decisions or licensing requirements.

What types of OT assessments does Drive & Thrive OT offer?

Drive & Thrive OT offers five core assessment services: OT driving assessments, functional capacity assessments, home modification assessments, vehicle modification assessments, and equipment prescription assessments. Each service is delivered by a qualified occupational therapist and supported by a professional written report. Visit each service page for a full breakdown of what is included.

Do I need a referral to book an assessment?

You do not always need a formal referral to book. You can contact us directly and our team will confirm whether a referral from a GP, specialist or support coordinator is required based on your specific situation or funding type. Many clients self-refer, while others are referred by a healthcare team, NDIS planner or family member.

Does Drive & Thrive OT work with NDIS participants?

Yes. We support NDIS participants across all plan management types. Our assessments are commonly requested to support plan reviews, equipment funding applications, home modification approvals and driving goals. Our reports are written to align with current NDIA guidelines and terminology.

What is the difference between an FCA and an OT driving assessment?

A functional capacity assessment (FCA) focuses on how a person manages everyday activities such as self-care, mobility and household tasks, and is commonly used for NDIS and insurance purposes. An OT driving assessment is a specialised review of driving ability, completed on and off road, and used to inform fitness to drive decisions and licensing outcomes. Both are completed by qualified occupational therapists but serve different purposes.

How long do occupational therapy assessments take?

Assessment length varies by type. Driving assessments typically run two to three hours and include an off-road clinical component and an on-road practical drive. Functional capacity assessments may involve two to four hours across one or more sessions. Home modification and equipment assessments generally require a one to two hour in-home visit. We provide a clear outline of timing when you book.

Can Drive & Thrive OT complete assessments at my home?

Yes. Drive & Thrive OT is a mobile service and assessments are completed in your home, local community or another suitable environment wherever possible. Completing assessments in familiar spaces allows our occupational therapists to observe real-world function and make more relevant recommendations. For certain components such as clinical interviews, telehealth may also be appropriate.

Which funding sources does Drive & Thrive OT accept?

We work with a range of funding sources, including the NDIS, My Aged Care, Home Care Packages, icare, workers compensation, DVA and private or family-funded arrangements. We will confirm fees, funding compatibility and billing processes before your assessment is scheduled so there are no surprises.

How do I get a quote before booking?

Contact our team by phone or through the online enquiry form. Once we understand your situation, the type of assessment needed and your funding source, we will provide a clear quote before anything is confirmed. We aim to make costs transparent from the outset so you can plan with confidence.

How do I book an occupational therapy assessment with Drive & Thrive OT?

The easiest way to book is to submit an enquiry through our online form or call us directly. Our team will ask a few brief questions about your situation, confirm the right assessment type and arrange a time that suits you. If you have an existing referral from a GP, specialist or support coordinator, have it ready when you get in touch.

Supporting Your Journey Back to Driving Independence

Commercial Vehicle Driving Assessments

Commercial Driving Assessments

If you hold a commercial or heavy vehicle licence and a medical condition, health event, or periodic review has raised questions about your fitness to drive, Drive & Thrive OT provides specialist occupational therapy driving assessments designed for the higher standards that apply to commercial drivers. We assess across Greater Western Sydney, bringing our mobile service to you.

An Assessment That Understands What Is at Stake

For commercial drivers, your licence is your livelihood. A medical condition or health event that affects your commercial licence can have immediate financial and professional consequences. Drive & Thrive OT understands these stakes. Our assessments are thorough, fair, and designed to give you, your GP, your employer, and Transport for NSW a clear, evidence-based picture of your current driving ability against the Austroads commercial vehicle standards.

We do not approach commercial assessments the same way as private vehicle assessments. The demands are different, the standards are higher, and the implications are more significant. Our driver-trained occupational therapists have the expertise to assess against the specific requirements that apply to your licence class.

Why Medical Standards Are Higher for Commercial Drivers

Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive sets different medical standards for commercial vehicle drivers compared to private vehicle drivers. These higher standards reflect the reality that commercial drivers typically spend more hours on the road, may operate heavier or more complex vehicles, may carry passengers or dangerous goods, and face more demanding driving environments.

Key differences include:

Stricter vision requirements (visual acuity, visual fields)
More stringent cardiovascular standards
Shorter allowable non-driving periods after certain medical events
More frequent periodic medical reviews for some conditions
Additional considerations for fatigue, sleep disorders, and medication effects
Higher thresholds for cognitive and physical function

Understanding these differences is important because a person may be fit to drive a private vehicle but not meet the commercial standard, or vice versa. The OT assessment considers your licence class and the specific Austroads criteria that apply.

Who Needs a Commercial Vehicle Driving Assessment?

Heavy Vehicle Drivers (LR, MR, HR, HC, MC)

Truck drivers, heavy rigid, heavy combination, and multi-combination licence holders who have been referred for a fitness to drive assessment following a medical condition, health event, or periodic commercial licence medical review. Whether you drive a rigid truck, a B-double, or a road train, the Austroads standards for your licence class apply.

Bus and Coach Drivers

Drivers holding public passenger vehicle authorities who need an OT assessment following a medical condition or health event. This includes school bus, route bus, charter, and coach drivers. The responsibility of carrying passengers means the Austroads standards for your licence are among the most stringent.

Taxi and Rideshare Drivers

Taxi, Uber, and other rideshare drivers who require a medical driving assessment for their public passenger vehicle authority. This may be triggered by a medical condition, an incident, or a periodic review. Your ability to continue earning depends on maintaining your authority, and a clear assessment outcome helps you move forward.

Delivery and Logistics Drivers

Drivers whose primary job involves commercial driving (delivery vans, courier vehicles, logistics fleets) and who have a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive safely for extended periods. Even where a standard car licence is used, the commercial nature of the driving may trigger higher assessment requirements.

Employers and Fleet Managers

If you manage a fleet or employ commercial drivers and have concerns about a driver’s medical fitness, an OT driving assessment provides an independent, evidence-based evaluation against Austroads commercial standards. This supports your workplace health and safety obligations and gives you the information you need to make sound decisions.

Return to Work After Injury or Illness

Commercial drivers returning to work through a workers compensation or CTP claim where driving is a core job duty. The OT assessment provides the functional evidence needed to support a return-to-driving decision and helps your rehabilitation team, employer, and insurer understand your current capacity.

What a Commercial Vehicle Driving Assessment Includes

Off-Road Clinical Review

A structured assessment of the physical, cognitive, and visual skills required for commercial driving, with specific reference to the Austroads commercial vehicle standards. This includes vision screening, reaction time, attention and concentration, physical capacity, fatigue risk factors, and condition-specific considerations relevant to your licence class.

On-Road Practical Drive

A practical driving assessment on local roads in a dual-controlled vehicle with your OT and a qualified driving instructor. The assessment considers the demands of commercial driving, including sustained attention over longer periods, decision-making under traffic pressure, and the physical requirements of operating a vehicle for extended durations.

Evidence-Based Report

A detailed report outlining your driving ability against the relevant Austroads commercial vehicle standards. The report is provided to you, your GP, your employer (where applicable), and Transport for NSW. It clearly states the assessment outcome and any recommendations, giving all parties the information they need to take the next step.

Practical Recommendations

Where licence conditions, vehicle modifications, driving rehabilitation, or workplace adjustments may support a safe return to commercial driving, your OT will outline these options clearly. The aim is to support you in maintaining or returning to your commercial licence where it is safe to do so.

Medical Conditions That May Affect a Commercial Licence

A range of medical conditions can trigger the need for a commercial vehicle driving assessment. The Austroads standards set specific requirements for each condition, and the thresholds for commercial drivers are higher than for private vehicle drivers. Common conditions include:

Cardiovascular conditions

Heart attack, bypass surgery, valve replacement, arrhythmia, pacemaker or defibrillator. Austroads has specific non-driving periods and review requirements for commercial drivers.

Neurological conditions

Stroke, epilepsy, brain injury, multiple sclerosis. Commercial standards are stricter, particularly around seizure-free periods for epilepsy.

Sleep disorders

Obstructive sleep apnoea, narcolepsy. Particularly relevant for commercial drivers given the fatigue and alertness demands of long-haul and shift-based driving.

Diabetes

Insulin-treated diabetes has specific Austroads requirements for commercial licence holders, including monitoring and hypoglycaemia management.

Vision changes

Commercial licence holders must meet higher visual acuity and visual field standards than private drivers.

Musculoskeletal conditions

Joint replacements, back injuries, limb conditions. The physical demands of commercial vehicle operation (climbing cabs, operating heavy controls, extended sitting) are considered.

Mental health conditions

Where medication or the condition may affect alertness, judgment, or reaction time in a commercial driving context.

Medication effects

Sedating medications, opioids, and other drugs that may impair driving function, particularly over extended commercial driving periods.

How the Assessment Process Works

1. Initial Enquiry

Contact Drive & Thrive OT by phone or through the online enquiry form. The team will ask about your licence class, your medical condition, your employment situation, and any referral or Transport for NSW documentation you have. They will confirm the right assessment pathway for your circumstances.

2. Off-Road Clinical Review

Your OT conducts a structured clinical assessment examining the physical, cognitive, and visual skills required for your specific commercial licence class, with reference to the Austroads commercial vehicle standards. This takes place before the on-road component and helps your OT understand your strengths and any areas of concern.

3. On-Road Practical Drive

A practical driving assessment on local roads in a dual-controlled vehicle with your OT and a qualified driving instructor. The assessment considers the demands specific to commercial driving, including sustained concentration, safe lane management, and appropriate responses to complex traffic situations.

4. Report and Recommendations

A detailed report is provided to you and, with your consent, to your GP, employer, Transport for NSW, and any relevant insurers or workers compensation providers. The report addresses the Austroads commercial standards and provides clear recommendations, including any conditions, modifications, or rehabilitation options.

Servicing Greater Western Sydney

Drive & Thrive OT delivers medical fitness to drive assessments across Greater Western Sydney, including:

Parramatta, Westmead and Auburn
Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Rouse Hill
Penrith, St Marys and the Blue Mountains foothills
Liverpool, Fairfield and Cabramatta
Campbelltown, Camden and the Macarthur region
The Hills District, including Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills

As a mobile service, we come to you. On-road assessments are conducted on local roads in your area, so the assessment reflects the driving environment you actually use.

Why Commercial Drivers Choose Drive & Thrive OT

Driver-trained OTs with experience assessing against Austroads commercial vehicle standards
Understanding of the higher medical standards and specific requirements for commercial licence classes
Practical, efficient approach that respects the financial and professional stakes involved
Reports accepted by Transport for NSW, employers, insurers, and workers compensation providers
Coordination with GPs, specialists, employers, and rehabilitation teams

Related Services

Frequently asked Questions

What is the difference between a commercial licence medical and an OT driving assessment?

A commercial licence medical is a medical examination conducted by your GP to assess whether you meet the Austroads medical standards for your licence class. An OT driving assessment goes further by evaluating your functional driving ability through an off-road clinical review and an on-road practical drive. The two assessments are complementary: the medical exam assesses your medical fitness, and the OT assessment assesses how your condition actually affects your driving.

Will I lose my commercial licence if I have a medical condition?

Not necessarily. Many commercial drivers complete a fitness to drive assessment and maintain their licence, sometimes with conditions or periodic review requirements. The assessment gives Transport for NSW an evidence-based picture of your driving ability against the commercial vehicle standards, and a range of outcomes is possible.

Are the standards stricter for commercial drivers?

Yes. Austroads sets higher medical standards for commercial vehicle drivers compared to private vehicle drivers. This includes stricter vision requirements, more stringent cardiovascular standards, shorter non-driving periods after certain events, and additional requirements for conditions like sleep apnoea, epilepsy, and diabetes.

My employer has asked for a driving assessment. Do I have to comply?

Employers have a legal obligation to ensure their drivers are fit to operate vehicles safely. If your employer has requested a fitness to drive assessment, it is generally in your interest to complete it. The assessment provides an independent, evidence-based evaluation that protects both you and your employer.

Can I keep driving while waiting for my assessment?

This depends on your situation. If your GP, specialist, or Transport for NSW has directed you to stop driving, you must comply. If no direction has been given, contact Drive & Thrive OT and we can advise based on your circumstances.

Do I need a referral?

Not always. You can contact Drive & Thrive OT directly. However, for some conditions and Transport for NSW processes, a GP or specialist referral is required. If your employer or insurer has initiated the request, have their documentation ready when you contact us.

How long does the assessment take?

A commercial vehicle driving assessment typically takes two to three hours, including the off-road clinical review and on-road practical drive. The team will confirm the expected timeframe when you book.

Will the report be sent to my employer?

Only with your consent. The report is provided to you and, with your permission, to your GP, employer, Transport for NSW, and any relevant insurers or workers compensation providers.

I drive a heavy vehicle. Will the on-road assessment be in my truck?

The on-road assessment is typically conducted in a dual-controlled vehicle, not your commercial vehicle. The OT assesses your functional driving skills (vision, cognition, reaction time, physical ability, decision-making) in a controlled setting. The report considers the additional demands of your commercial licence class.

Can I have an assessment if I am on workers compensation?

Yes. Commercial vehicle driving assessments are commonly requested as part of workers compensation and return-to-work processes. The assessment provides the functional evidence needed to support a return-to-driving decision for your commercial licence.

Book Your Commercial Vehicle Driving Assessment

Whether you have been referred by your GP, your employer, Transport for NSW, or an insurer, the Drive & Thrive OT team will confirm the right assessment for your licence class, explain the process, and help you understand what to expect.

Call Drive & Thrive OT or submit an enquiry online.