Driving is often linked to independence, especially for older adults. But when health, cognition, or mobility changes, how do we know if someone is still safe behind the wheel? In this episode, Coral speaks with Karin Naude, a qualified Driving Assessment Occupational Therapist, to discuss what’s really involved in an OT driving assessment. And it’s much more than just a drive around the block.

Karin explains the structured process behind both the off-road and on-road components, including medical history, cognitive screening, physical function, and tailored driving routes. She also addresses common concerns like cost, report confidentiality, and what happens if someone doesn’t pass. This conversation offers clarity on what to expect, how decisions are made, and what support options exist if driving is no longer an option for an older person.

In this episode:

• What an OT driving assessment involves
• The off-road and on-road components
• Vision standards are a critical first step
• Physical and cognitive tests that are included
• Assessments are started in the client’s home
• Why GPs don’t usually conduct full assessments
• How on-road testing is tailored to individual driving needs
• What makes an OT nervous during on-road assessments
• Why older clients may use their own car for testing
• What happens if someone passes, receives restrictions, or is deemed unsafe
• Supporting clients with alternative transport options
• The time and cost breakdown of a full assessment
• Specialised training to become an OT driving assessor

Resources mentioned:

• Occupational Therapy Australia – A guide to driving assessments

Connect with Coral Wilkinson: 

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More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: 

Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.

We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.

Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.

Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. 

Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.

Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. 

We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.

 Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones. 

Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pharmacy Guild