Who Our Adaptive Driving Program Can Help

Staffed by Occupational Therapists—who are also state-licensed driving instructors and certified driving rehabilitation specialists—our Adaptive Driving Program provides services to individuals recovering from a significant illness or injury and who are interested in determining if they are able to safely resume driving. Conditions may include but are not limited to:

  • Stroke
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Upper and Lower extremity amputations
  • Multiple trauma or other orthopedic injuries

Our Adaptive Driving Program can also be very helpful for drivers who are experiencing limitations due to progressive impairments, such as:

  • Mild Alzheimer's / Dementia
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Visual impairments (Depth perception, visual field loss, double vision)

Our Adaptive Driving Program is even suitable for first time drivers who are interested in finding out if they have the potential to drive with conditions such as:

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Spina Bifida
  • Friedreich's Ataxia
  • Autism/Asperger's Syndrome
How The Adaptive Driving Program Works

Our Adaptive Driving Program includes the following:

  1. Clinical Evaluation: This is a 90-minute interview during which we'll go over the general history, medical history, and driving history of the client. This evaluation also involves various standardized assessments to test pre-driving skills in the areas of vision, perception, reaction time, physical skills, and cognitive skills.

  2. Behind-The-Wheel Evaluation: This is a 120-minute assessment of the client's actual driving skills, including the ability to transfer in-and-out of vehicle, and determining whether there is a need for vehicle modifications and/or adaptive equipment. This evaluation takes place in a company vehicle, which has dual controls, as well as various types of other adaptive equipment. This allows the driver to trial equipment, if needed. We will also offer recommendations on the type of vehicle, specific adaptive equipment or modifications, as well as provide a list of local equipment vendors who are able to complete recommended adaptations.

  3. Training: After completing the evaluation, some drivers may require further training to improve their driving skills. This training may be completed by the driving instructor of the client's choice and may address such areas as following the rules of the road, driving skills in specific situations, as well as the use of adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications.
How To Get Started

Candidates for the Adaptive Driving Program must have a valid driver's license or permit, as well as a referral from their doctor for an Adaptive Driving Evaluation.

Most health insurance plans do not cover the cost for this program, but we do accept Worker Compensation and California State Department of Rehabilitation clients.

Please call us at (925) 947-5388 for more information about the program, including current pricing and private pay rates.

Our Location

Physical Rehabilitation Center, Pleasant Hill
3480 Buskirk Ave., Suite 150, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Adaptive Driving Program Phone: (925) 947-5388