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

Return to Driving Assessments

Returning to Driving Assessments

A stroke, brain injury, major surgery, or medical event can take you off the road. Getting back behind the wheel is often one of the most important goals in recovery, and it is a goal Drive & Thrive OT can help you work towards. We provide occupational therapy driving assessments and return-to-driving support for people across Greater Western Sydney who are ready to take the next step.

A Goal-Focused Assessment That Supports Your Return to Driving

Drive & Thrive OT understands that driving is not just about transport; it is about independence, work, family, and getting your life back on track. Our return-to-driving assessments are designed to work with you, not just assess you. We look at where you are in your recovery, identify what you need to get back on the road, and provide a clear, practical pathway forward.

Whether that means a formal assessment, a period of driving rehabilitation, vehicle modifications, or a graded return plan, we will guide you through each step.

Who Our Return to Driving Service Supports

Stroke recovery

Stroke can affect vision, cognition, reaction time, and physical movement on one or both sides of the body. Austroads guidelines require a minimum non-driving period after stroke. Once your treating team has cleared you for assessment, an OT driving assessment can determine your readiness to return and identify any support you may need.

Brain injury (acquired and traumatic)

People recovering from acquired brain injury (ABI) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have driving as a key rehabilitation goal. Cognitive changes, fatigue, and physical effects can all influence driving ability. Our assessment considers the specific functional impacts of your injury and how they relate to the demands of driving.

Post-surgical recovery

Hip replacement, knee replacement, cardiac surgery, spinal surgery, and other major procedures can affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Many people are unsure when they can drive again after surgery. An OT assessment provides a clear, evidence-based answer.

Seizures and epilepsy

Austroads guidelines specify mandatory non-driving periods following a seizure. Once the required period has passed and your neurologist or GP has cleared you, an OT driving assessment can support your licence reinstatement application.

Limb amputation or limb difference

Losing a limb or adapting to a limb difference may require vehicle modifications and a driving assessment to determine what adaptations are needed for safe, independent driving.

Motor vehicle accident recovery

For people involved in a motor vehicle accident, returning to driving can involve both physical recovery and confidence. An OT assessment can address the functional aspects, and where needed, a graduated return-to-driving plan can help rebuild confidence on the road.

NDIS participants

If driving is a goal in your NDIS plan, Drive & Thrive OT can provide the assessment and reporting needed to support your progress. This may include a formal fitness to drive assessment, a driving rehabilitation program, or recommendations for vehicle modifications funded through your plan.

Licence reinstatement

If your licence has been suspended or cancelled due to a medical condition, an OT driving assessment provides the evidence-based report that Transport for NSW requires to consider reinstatement. We work with you, your GP, and Transport for NSW to navigate this process.

What Is a Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment?

A medical fitness to drive assessment is an occupational therapy evaluation that examines how a specific health condition, health event, or medication affects a person’s ability to drive safely. It is guided by the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive standards, the national framework used by medical professionals and occupational therapists across Australia to determine whether a person meets the medical standards for holding a driver’s licence.

The assessment is not a pass or fail test. It is a structured, evidence-based process that considers the functional impact of your condition on the skills needed for safe driving: vision, cognition, reaction time, physical movement, judgment and attention.

The outcome may be that you are fit to drive without conditions, fit to drive with certain conditions or modifications, or that driving is not currently safe. In many cases, the assessment identifies practical steps that can support a return to driving over time or help maintain safe driving for longer.

What a Return to Driving Assessment Includes

Off-road clinical review

A structured assessment of the physical, cognitive, and visual skills needed for safe driving, with specific attention to how your health event or condition affects these areas. Completed at your home or a community setting.

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 route covers real-world driving situations relevant to your area.

Evidence-based report

A detailed written report outlining your current driving ability, how your condition was considered, and recommendations. The report follows the Austroads framework and is accepted by Transport for NSW, GPs, specialists, and insurers.

Return-to-driving plan

Where you are not yet ready for a formal assessment, or where the assessment identifies areas for development, your OT can recommend a graded return-to-driving plan. This may include driving rehabilitation lessons with a specialist instructor, vehicle modifications, or a recommended review period before reassessment.

How the Return to Driving Process Works

1. Initial enquiry

Contact Drive & Thrive OT by phone or online. The team will ask about your situation, your health event or condition, where you are in your recovery, and any referral or Transport for NSW documentation you have. They will confirm the right pathway and explain the next steps.

2. Off-road clinical review

Your OT conducts a structured clinical assessment, typically at your home or a community setting. This examines vision, cognition, reaction time, physical movement, and condition-specific factors relevant to driving.

3. On-road practical drive

You drive a dual-controlled vehicle on local roads with your OT and a driving instructor. The route includes a range of everyday driving situations to assess your real-world driving ability.

4. Report and recommendations

A detailed report is provided to you, your GP, and Transport for NSW (with your consent). If driving rehabilitation, vehicle modifications, or further review is recommended, your OT will explain the pathway clearly and help coordinate next steps.

When Driving Rehabilitation May Be Recommended

Not everyone is ready for a formal on-road assessment straight away. In some cases, a period of driving rehabilitation (structured lessons with a specialist driving instructor) is recommended before the assessment. This is common after stroke, brain injury, or a long period without driving.

Driving rehabilitation gives you the opportunity to rebuild skills and confidence in a supported environment before the formal assessment. Your OT can coordinate this and monitor your progress.

This is not a failure. It is a practical, evidence-based step that increases your chances of a successful return to driving.

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

Why People Choose Drive & Thrive OT for Return to Driving

Driver-trained OTs with experience supporting return to driving across a wide range of health events and conditions
A goal-focused approach that works with you towards getting back on the road
Assessments guided by the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive framework
Coordination with rehabilitation teams, GPs, specialists, and NDIS providers
Reports accepted by Transport for NSW, insurers, and funding bodies
Practical recommendations including driving rehabilitation, vehicle modifications, and graded return plans
Clear communication from the first call through to your return to driving

Related Services

Frequently asked Questions

How soon after a stroke can I have a driving assessment?

Austroads guidelines recommend a minimum non-driving period after stroke, typically at least four weeks for a private vehicle licence. Your GP or specialist will advise when you are ready for an OT assessment. Contact Drive & Thrive OT once your treating team has cleared you and we will confirm the right timing.

What if I am not ready for a formal driving assessment yet?

That is completely normal. Many people benefit from a period of driving rehabilitation (structured lessons with a specialist driving instructor) before the formal assessment. Your OT can recommend this and coordinate the process. It is a practical step, not a setback.

Can the assessment help me get my licence back?

Yes. If your licence has been suspended or cancelled due to a medical condition, an OT driving assessment provides the evidence-based report that Transport for NSW requires to consider reinstatement. We work with you and your GP to navigate this process.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Not always. You can contact Drive & Thrive OT directly and the team will confirm whether a referral is required for your situation. For some conditions and Transport for NSW processes, a GP or specialist referral is needed.

Can NDIS fund my return to driving assessment?

In many cases, yes. If driving is a stated goal in your NDIS plan, the assessment and related support (including driving rehabilitation and vehicle modification recommendations) may be funded. Contact us and we can help you confirm this with your plan manager or support coordinator.

What if I need vehicle modifications to drive safely?

If the assessment identifies that vehicle modifications are needed (hand controls, steering aids, pedal modifications, etc.), your OT will recommend the specific modifications and can refer you for a vehicle modification assessment. Modifications may be funded through NDIS, CTP, or workers compensation depending on your circumstances.

How long does the assessment take?

A full return-to-driving assessment typically takes two to three hours, including the off-road clinical review and on-road practical drive. The two parts can be completed in one appointment or across two visits depending on your needs.

Will my report be accepted by Transport for NSW?

Yes. Our reports follow the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive framework and are accepted by Transport for NSW for licence decisions, reinstatement applications, and condition endorsements.

I was in a car accident and feel anxious about driving. Can you help?

Yes. Anxiety about driving after an accident is common and understandable. Our assessment considers both your functional ability and your readiness to return to driving. Where a graduated approach would be helpful, we can recommend structured driving rehabilitation that allows you to rebuild confidence at your own pace.

What should I bring to the assessment?

Please bring your current driver’s licence (or expired licence), glasses or contact lenses if you wear them for driving, a list of current medications, any recent medical reports or specialist letters, and any correspondence from Transport for NSW. Your OT will confirm if anything else is needed when you book.

Take the Next Step Towards Getting Back on the Road

Whether you are recovering from stroke, surgery, brain injury, or another health event, the Drive & Thrive OT team will explain the process, answer your questions, and help you understand the pathway back to driving.

Call Drive & Thrive OT or submit an enquiry online.