Home > Health Care Services > Driver Assessment and Training
Text Size + / –

Driver Assessment & Training

About us

Welcome to Saint Elizabeth's Driver Assessment and Training, which includes DriveABLE in Toronto and Driver Rehabilitation Services, formerly a program of Bloorview MacMillan. Driver Rehabilitation Services has enabled clients to drive since 1976.

Medical conditions, disabilities or medications may impact the mental and physical abilities required to drive safely. At Saint Elizabeth, our staff are sensitive to an individual's privilege to drive, and recognize the benefits and freedoms associated with a driver's license.

Our experienced team of experts provides service to clients with disabilities and special needs to help them achieve driver independence; we also provide Ministry-approved medical assessments and road evaluations for clients with conditions that may be affecting their ability to drive safely.

Who needs our services

  • People who have experienced an injury or illness that is affecting their ability to drive
  • Drivers whose license is medically suspended or under review by a doctor or the Ministry of Transportation
  • People with dementia who may be unsafe to drive
  • Aging drivers who, due to medical conditions or medications, would like to ensure that they continue to be safe to drive
  • People who have driving anxiety, phobias and stress issues related to driving or riding in a vehicle Drivers or passengers that need a prescription for driving controls or vehicle modifications to enable them to drive or ride in a vehicle
  • New learners who cannot obtain a driver's license through conventional driver education programs, perhaps because they need a modified steering wheel or require special instruction

Our services

  • Driver or passenger assessments
  • Prescriptions for driving controls, modifications and vehicles as well as follow up checkouts to ensure all prescribed equipment is in place
  • Driver training to enable clients to:
      - learn how to use driving controls or modified vehicles
      - overcome driving or passenger anxiety
      - prepare for Ministry of Transportation road test
      - become a new driver
      - refresh and retrain driving skills
  • New Driver's Education Course
  • Ministry-approved medical assessments and road evaluations for clients with cognitive impairments (DriveABLE)

Decisions about driving need to be based on facts. Through years of award-winning research, a group of psychologists and health care professionals developed a new method to assess driving that ensures safe, competent drivers pass, while unsafe drivers are identified. The DriveABLE Road Evaluation is accurate, objective and fair. Saint Elizabeth's Driver Assessment and Training Services uses this research-based evaluation.

How to access our services

  1. Call (416) 398-1035 to make an appointment or obtain more information. Clients will be asked to complete a Referral Form. Individuals, doctors, family members, insurance professionals or other healthcare specialists can complete the referral form.
  2. The client’s doctor or specialist may need to complete a Medical Update Form.
  3. If medically indicated by a doctor, arrange to have an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist complete a vision report.
  4. If the client’s license is medically suspended, contact Driver Assessment and Training to determine if a one-day permit for the day of the assessment can be arranged.
  5. Ensure all forms are returned by fax (416) 398-3206 or by mailing to 100 Tempo Avenue, Suite 330, Toronto, Ontario M2H 2N8.
  6. On the day of the assessment, clients should bring their driver's license, glasses (if required) and any Ministry of Transportation letters related to driving.

Team and technology

Our services are provided by an experienced team of Occupational Therapists and specialized driving instructors. We are members of the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.
Saint Elizabeth uses Canada’s widest range of driving controls and vehicles, including sedans, mini and full size vans, wheelchair accessibility, hand controls, reduced effort steering and braking, electronic gas and brakes, left foot accelerator and dual brakes for safety.

Our Ministry of Transportation approved assessment facility is conveniently located in the Sheppard and Allen Road area, with free parking. Home pick-up for training is also available.

A typical initial assessment

What to expect
The Occupational Therapist will begin in clinic with a one and one half (1½) hour evaluation of the client’s vision, perception, physical functioning and cognitive skills relative to driving.

Next, a Certified Driving Instructor together with the Occupational Therapist will take the client out for a one (1) hour on-road evaluation in one of the facility’s vehicles. The vehicle is equipped with dual brakes for safety and will be outfitted with driving controls or modifications as needed.

Following the assessment, the outcome and recommendations will be discussed with the client and summarized in a clear, concise written report, which is sent to the client, referring physician and, if required, the Ministry of Transportation Driver Improvement Office.

Additional services are available for clients who require remedial training to drive or to prepare for a Ministry of Transportation road test. These will be arranged at a convenient time and location.

Fees vary with the type of service that is needed. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan does not cover driver assessment and training services. We may be able to help you identify funding sources.

Required Forms

Referral Form
Medical Update Form

Useful links

 

Saint Elizabeth is a registered charity. Charitable registration #11913 2090 RR0001.