Supporting safe driving, independence, and community participation.
Concerned About Your Driving?
Specialist fitness-to-drive assessments designed to restore independence and ensure safety for you and your whānau.
FOR INDIVIDUALS & PROVIDERS
Our specialist assessments empower individuals to maintain independence and healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety through a comprehensive, client-centred approach.
Individuals
Concerned about your driving ability following changes in health, memory, vision, or mobility?
OTCS provides professional driving assessments to help determine fitness to drive and identify strategies that support safe and independent mobility.
Our assessments are objective, evidence-based, and tailored to your individual needs. We will guide you through the process and provide clear recommendations to help you make informed decisions about driving.
Family & Whānau
It can be difficult to know what to do when you are concerned about a loved one's driving.
A driving assessment provides an independent evaluation of the skills required for safe driving and can help clarify whether a person is driving safely or whether additional supports may be needed.
OTCS works with individuals and their family, to provide clear information, practical recommendations, and guidance that supports both safety and ongoing independence wherever possible.
Healthcare
OTCS accepts referrals from GPs, medical specialists, allied health professionals, ACC providers, aged care services, disability providers, and other community-based services.
We provide objective, evidence-based assessments and clear written recommendations to support clinical decision-making, licensing requirements, rehabilitation planning, and discussions regarding fitness to drive.
Referrers
OTCS accepts referrals from individuals, whānau, healthcare professionals, ACC, and community organisations. Driving assessments provide an independent evaluation of driving-related abilities, with clear recommendations to support safe mobility and informed decision-making.
Self-referrals and provider referrals are welcome.
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Off-Road Assessment
Our off-road assessment includes:
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Review of relevant medical history
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Cognitive and neurological screening
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Vision and visual processing assessment
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Assessment of physical abilities and coordination
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Consideration of emotional wellbeing and insight into driving
This assessment provides the foundation for understanding your fitness to drive and determining whether an on-road assessment is recommended.
On-Road Assessment
- Practical driving skills evaluation
- Safe vehicle control and braking assessment
- Environmental awareness and hazard perception
- Communication with other road users
- Comprehensive fitness-to-drive report
This assessment helps provide a clear picture of your current driving abilities and any supports or recommendations that may be required.
EMPOWERING INDEPENDENCE
We provide clear, evidence-based assessment outcomes designed to support your journey back to community participation. Our specialist assessments focus on safety and independence, ensuring you receive the professional guidance needed to navigate your environment with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fitness-to-drive assessment?
A specialist assessment conducted by an Occupational Therapist to evaluate a person's physical and cognitive abilities in relation to safe driving.
Who can benefit from an assessment?
Individuals experiencing changes in health, those recovering from injury, or those with a history of medical conditions that may impact driving.
What happens during the assessment?
The process includes an off-road component to assess coordination and an on-road component to evaluate driving skills in a safe environment.
How long does the assessment take?
Assessment requirements vary depending on the reason for referral, the individual's circumstances, and whether an on-road assessment is required.
What are the assessment outcomes?
Our specialist reports provide clear recommendations on fitness-to-drive status, including any necessary modifications or restrictions.
SUBMIT A REFERRAL
We partner with individuals, whānau, and healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, client-centred driving assessments that support safe mobility, informed decision-making, and continued independence. Assessments are led by Meiny Erasmus, Occupational Therapist, with driving instructors involved where required.
Email: admin@otcs.co.nz
Phone: 027 467 8575