Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments
and recommendations for fitness to drive
Pre-assessment phone consultation
If you have been referred for an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment, the next step is to call and arrange a free phone consultation with the occupational therapist to discuss your situation.
The occupational therapist will explain the 2-STEP assessment process and advise you about the assessment costs. If you choose to go ahead with the assessment we will book a mutually suitable time to do the ‘off-road’ assessment.
Please call ph:0409981116 or email dr.c.andrew@outlook.com
Off-Road Assessment (clinical setting)
An ‘off road’ assessment is conducted by the occupational therapist prior to undertaking the ‘on-road’ practical assessment.
The ‘off-road’ assessment consists of physical and cognitive screening tasks to identify potential considerations regarding your fitness to drive.
After completing the ‘off-road’ assessment a mutually suitable time for the ‘on-road’ assessment will be arranged.
Further information about the drivng assessment process is available under the resources TAB
On-Road Assessment & Report
The ‘on-road’ assessment is conducted with the occupational therapist after the ‘off-road’ assessment to further assess physical and cognitive abilities to drive safely.
As per legal requirements, the drive is undertaken with a qualified driving instructor present in their car which is fitted with a dual brake.
If you require driving modifications, specialised equipment such as a spinner knob, hand controls or left foot accelerator can be trialled.
As required by law in NSW, outcomes and recommendations from the Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment are provided as a report to the RMS. You will have access to this report.
Meet Catherine
Dr Catherine Andrew (PhD) is a registered Occupational Therapist (AHPRA) and a member of Occupational Therapy Australia, with over 40 years experience in clinical practice and research.
As a qualified Occupational Therapy Driving Assessor (DECA 1989), Catherine recognises the important role driving plays in the Australian context for enabling autonomy and independence.
She specialises in assessing fitness to drive and helping individuals to gain and/or retain their driver’s licence through remediation and modification.
Her work is dedicated to supporting mobility and community access while maintaining road safety for all.
Other occupational therapy services include home assessments, recommending assistive technologies for maximising independence and advice regarding ergonomic workstation set up.
Mission
The mission of Catherine Andrew Occupational Therapy Services is to support individuals achieve their goals for maintaining safe, independent mobility. This is achieved through:
Providing expert advice about fitness to drive;
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessments;
Recommendations for lessons and/or modifications; and
Exploring alternative mobility, transport and community access options.
With more than four decades of clinical and research experience, Catherine has specialised qualifications in evaluating fitness to drive for people experiencing changes in physical, cognitive, or neurological function. She is dedicated to promoting autonomy and confidence while ensuring safety on the road for all members of the community.