Practices Used by Occupational Therapists and Others in Driving Assessment Centers for Determining Fitness-to-Drive: A Case-Based Approach

ABSTRACT. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine practices used in driver assessment centers for determining fitness-to-drive (FTD) an automobile using a case-based approach. Methods: Each assessor (N = 46; 89% of whom were occupational therapists) identified if and how they would assess each of the following cases: (1) a 35-year-old man with paraplegia; (2) a 53-year-old woman post stroke; (3) an 82-year-old man involved in a collision; and (4) a 33- year-old woman with schizophrenia. Results: Over 90% would assess cases 2 and 3, but only 72% and 62% would assess cases 4 and 1, respectively. The average number of off-road tests they would use ranged from 1 to 24 and was highest for case 2 (14 ± 4.6) and lowest for case 1 (10.6 ± 3.4). Over 75% of respondents indicated they would do an on-road test in all four cases. Conclusions: This case-based approach provided further insight into how FTD assessments and ensuing recommendations are tailored for different clientele.