Overview
What is a Driving Rehab Specialist?
Our driver rehabilitation specialists are experienced occupational therapists with advanced training in driving rehabilitation. We provide driving evaluations to determine safe goals for travel.
Why choose Apex Driving Rehab?
• We are with you every step of the way to help you feel safe & confident in the driver’s seat.
• We meet you at your home and work with you in your own community.
• We help you find equipment to make driving easier.
Who might need a driver assessment?
Medical conditions can change the way we move, think, and see. If you show any of these changes or other characteristics, you may benefit from a driving evaluation with Apex Driving Rehab:
• Slower reaction time
• Shorter attention span
• Lagging reflexes
• Stiff joints or weak muscles
• Poor eyesight
• Diminished night vision
• Hearing problems
• Reduced memory
• Poor decision-making skills
• Forgetfulness
• Drowsiness or medication effects
• Increase in accidents or near misses
• Physical impairments
• Recent major medical illnesses or events
• Increased anxiety or agitation
• Frequent falls
What is a driver assessment?
A driving evaluation is an evaluation of an individual’s driving. It includes 3 main steps.
Step 1: review of clinical testing of sensation, vision, movement, & thinking.
Step 2: a behind-the-wheel assessment in a driving rehab vehicle, when applicable.
Step 3: Discussion of outcomes.
How long does a driver assessment take?
All three steps take about 3 hours.
How much does a driver assessment cost?
The comprehensive driver assessment (full three step assessment including clinical tests, behind-the-wheel, when applicable, and outcome discussion) costs $450. The adaptive equipment assessment which includes the final fitting lesson costs $550. Training session are $150/hour. There may be an additional small travel fee depending on your location. Please call us at 815-556-2711 for more details.
What are typical outcomes of a driver evaluation?
During step 3 of the driving evaluation, we will talk to you and your family member about your outcome. Your DRS will talk about patterns of safety or concern with driving. Outcomes may include return or continue driving, additional driving training, hold on driving with plans for re-evaluation, or driving retirement.
Will you take my driver’s license?
No. As specialists, we evaluate your performance with driving and any impact from illness or injury. We work with you, your family, and doctor to help determine safe goals with driving. At times we will be asked to send reports to the department of motor vehicle, but we will always discuss this with you first. The department of motor vehicle is the licensing agency holds all authority for your driver’s license.
When is driver training recommended?
Sometimes, if you have not driven for a while, or you are recovering from a new injury, driving training may be helpful. Training is also provided if you are learning to drive with adaptive equipment. After your evaluation, your specialist will talk to you about recommendations for driving training and provide you with a plan. Driving training sessions typically run from 1 to 2 hours and the number of training sessions vary from driver to driver.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
When you schedule your appointment with us, we block off several hours to be able to provide you with individualized care. We understand that things do come up and you may need to reschedule your appointment. Should you need to do so, we request you reschedule any needs at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment. This will provide us with enough time to help reshuffle our schedules.
Appoint cancellations that occur within 48 hours, are subject to a cancellation fee of $50. Cancellation fees will be billed directly to the client via invoice.
Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation
Can I use my own car for the driving evaluation?
Step 2 of the driving evaluation takes place in our driving rehab car. We use our car because it has special equipment for added safety.
Don’t worry! We appreciate that driving someone else’s car requires adjustment. Therefore, the first thing we will do is give you time to get use to our car. Then, once you are ready, the evaluation will begin.
What if I’m not comfortable driving someone else’s car?
We appreciate that driving someone else’s vehicle may take some adjustment. Therefore, the evaluation is started by allowing you time to adjust and get use to the vehicle. Once you are ready, then the evaluation will begin first by traveling to familiar locations in your community and then by being challenged with less familiar routes.
As a driver, do I need to be able to transfer into and out of a sedan vehicle for my driving evaluation?
Yes, all drivers must be able to independently transfer into and out of a sedan driver seat to participate in our program’s client services.
What if my driver’s license has been suspended?
If your driver’s license has been suspended, please reach out to us. We may still be able to help! Our specialists are skilled with understanding various state licensing & permit processes.
What if I am a new driver?
Apex is unable to work with new, unlicensed drivers. Referrals can be made to a local driving instruction programs for education and training.
Can I drive myself to my appointment?
Please have a licensed friend or family member bring you to your appointment.
In most situations, we will gladly meet and work with you from your home. However, should we meet you at another location, please do NOT drive yourself to your appointment. This appointment includes an evaluation of your driving behaviors. Therefore, all clients are driven to/from the appointment by another licensed driver. If a driver transports him/herself to the appointment, alternative arrangements for return to home will be arranged and the driver rehab specialist has the right to cancel the appointment. Cancellation fee may apply.
I watch a toddler during the day. Is it okay if they are at my appointment?
During your time with us, we want you to be able to focus and do you best! Therefore, clients must be available for evaluation without any dependents present, including children or other adults that require supervision.
My family member has dementia with good and bad days. What if they are evaluated on a good day?
Dementia and other progressive conditions may result in the presentation of inconsistent performance skills, requiring more than one session to establish a pattern of driving behaviors. Your driving rehab specialist will work with you to develop an individualized plan.
Paperwork & Financing
Do I need a referral order from my doctor?
Yes. Many of our clients are recovering from a medical illness or injury and therefore need to secure their doctor’s permission to participate in the driving evaluation. The referral order for an, “Occupational Therapy Driving Evaluation & treatment,” serves as permission to evaluate you.
What paperwork will I need to sign?
Prior to your appointment, you will be provided online access to our forms including a medical release, release of liability, and attestation of driver’s license. Please take your time to carefully read and sign these forms. Please note we require all forms to be completed and signed prior to participation in our program services.
What will I need for my appointment?
Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:
• Valid driver’s license
• Physician referral ordering “OT Driving Evaluation and Treatment”
• Completed Intake & Signed forms
• Payment (Checks made out to “Apex Driving Rehab”)
When is payment due?
Payment is due at the time of service via check or credit card. Checks may be made out to ‘Apex Driving Rehab’. Your specialist will collect payment at the start of your appointment.
Is a driver evaluation covered by insurance?
Apex Driving Rehab is a private, case based practice. Driving evaluations generally are not covered by insurance and we do not bill insurance. Should your insurance provider cover this service, we are more than happy to provide you with a copy of your driving evaluation to submit for reimbursement. Please note, payment is still due at the time of service and any insurance filing is the responsibility of the client.
May I use my health savings account for this service?
Your driving evaluation is being provided by a licensed occupational therapist with advanced training in driving rehabilitation in order to review your medical fitness to drive. Please consult with your HSA provider to confirm this service is approved for HSA billing.
Will my car insurance cover a driver evaluation?
It may! More and more car insurance companies are reimbursing drivers for completing driving evaluations after recovery. Check with your insurance provider to see if this might be an option for you.
Who will receive a copy of my evaluation?
Outcomes are shared with your referring doctor, a family member, and may be shared with your state licensing agency.
Adaptive Driving Equipment
When might I need adaptive driving equipment?
If you have loss sensation in your right foot, or have loss the use of your arm or leg, there may be adaptive equipment options to make it easier to drive. During your driving evaluation, we will help select and trial adaptive equipment options.
Common adaptive driving equipment options include hand controls (for using one arm for gas & brake while the other arm steers), steering devices, adaptive mirrors, and left foot accelerators (for using the left foot for gas & brake).
How long does it take to learn to drive with adaptive equipment?
Learning to drive with adaptive equipment requires training, support, and time.
• Training for equipment may range from a few sessions to several weeks, depending on your adaptive equipment needs. After your driving evaluation, we will provide an estimate of anticipated training needs.
• Support is provided to facilitate your process thru your state’s adaptive driving equipment licensing procedure. Many states have adaptive equipment processes in place for licensing to drive with adaptive equipment, and may include paperwork and a driving test at the department of motor vehicle office. Depending on your state, this process may take several weeks.
• Expertise for equipment will be provided to help find an equipment vendor, to select & prescribe the equipment that best fits your needs, and to ensure installed equipment works well for you in the car.
While learning to drive with adaptive equipment may take some time, your skilled driver rehabilitation specialist will support you every step of the way!
I’m already trained to use adaptive equipment but need an updated prescription. Can you help?
Experienced, licensed adaptive equipment drivers seeking an adaptive equipment prescription may benefit from a modified evaluation process at a discounted price. Please reach out directly to our office for information.
Clients learning to use new adaptive driving equipment are subject to the comprehensive driving evaluation and training process.
As an OT, how can I learn more about my role with driving therapy?
Check out this FREE course that offers the OT insight into their role with driving and community mobility! Occupational Therapy for Driving & Community Mobility
Contact Us
Apex Driving Rehabilitation LLC
Sycamore, IL
p. 815-556-2711
f. 844-222-9214
e. apexdrivingrehab@gmail.com
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