Why do I need a driving rehabilitation after injuries or change in medical status?

​Not everyone requires a driving rehabilitation program. However, if you’ve experienced changes in your physical, visual, or cognitive abilities due to a medical condition, these changes may impact your ability to drive safely. In such cases, it's important to discuss your readiness to return to driving with your physician.

If your physician has concerns about your driving safety or has not yet cleared you to drive, your physician can refer you to this program for a comprehensive driving evaluation including behind the wheel evaluation to ensure your driving safety.  

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What happens if I drive without medical clearance? 

Some medical conditions are legally reportable to the DMV under California’s physician reporting law.

If your healthcare provider does not report your condition to the DMV, and you choose to resume driving on your own after changes in your medical status, you could face serious consequences. For example, if you're involved in a car accident—even if it's not your fault—you may lack the necessary medical clearance documentation to prove that you were safe and authorized to drive.

To protect yourself legally and ensure public safety, always consult with your physician before returning to driving after a medical change.

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How can I get started? 

​To receive this service, a physician order is required.  Please have your physician write an OT driving evaluation order, or complete this physician referral form and send back via "get started" below this page, directly email drivingpotential.llc@gmai.com, or fax (661) 262-7732.

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Additionally, You must have a valid driver license or permit to receive this service.  If your license is suspended or revoked, please contact your local DMV office, to obtain a special instruction permit marked under accompanied by Occupational Therapist.

*Please bring a physician prescription for driving evaluation or this physician referral form with you to show the DMV officer.  

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Can I drive my own car? 

Due to liability reasons, we cannot use personal vehicles for training. Our training vehicle, a Toyota Corolla Cross (SUV), is equipped with instructor brake and gas pedals and adaptive mirrors to ensure safety. You’ll have ample time to become familiar and comfortable with the vehicle before beginning your evaluation or training. Various hand controls, a left-foot accelerator, and steering wheel devices are also available as needed.

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Please note: We are NOT equipped with a wheelchair-accessible van that allows you to remain seated in your wheelchair while entering or operating the training vehicle.

If you are planning to drive from your wheelchair, we can provide a wheelchair vehicle assessment to ensure proper fit and make adaptation recommendations (e.g., ramp or lift requirements).

However, for the purpose of the driving evaluation and training, you must be able to transfer into a standard car seat, as all assessments and training are conducted using a conventional vehicle setup.

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Does my medical insurance cover a comprehensive driving evaluation and trainings?

Unfortunately, medicare and private insurance plans do not consider driving as medical necessity. As a result, driving evaluations and related services are not covered by medical insurance. If you are currently receiving occupational therapy services, your therapist may be able to complete cognitive, visual, and physical assessments. You are welcome to submit those reports to us, which may help reduce the cost of the clinical portion of your driving evaluation. 

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Workers Compensation may cover the evaluation and/or trainings if pre-authorized. Additionally, veterans may be eligible for a driving assessment at no cost through the VA Hospital, depending on their benefits and eligibility. 

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what happenS after my initial comprehensive driving evaluation? 

Based on your evaluation results, your driving rehabilitation practitioner may recommend one or more of the following:

• Resuming driving without restrictions

• Completing a minimum number of driver education or training sessions

• Using specific vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment

• Seeking further medical treatment or consultation

• Re-testing at the California DMV Exam Office

  If your medical condition is reportable by law but has not yet been reported by a physician, self-reporting is recommended.

• Temporarily "hold" driving to allow for additional recovery

• Retiring from driving permanently

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