OLDER DRIVER ASSESSMENT DRIVERS
In summary, there is not yet any conclusive evidence that assessing driving ability will improve safety for drivers with dementia, 12 or other disabilities associated with ageing.Ĭritically, driving is a task largely intertwined with self-identity and independence, 13 and is a skill that prevents individuals from growing socially isolated – especially in the outskirts of metropolitan centres, where services and facilities are often accessible only by car. However, it is not yet established whether such an assessment alone would be adequate to disqualify drivers, or whether it should only be used as a screening tool to identify patients who require road testing. 6,11 A composite cognitive test was proposed by Clark 12 and includes the MMSE, trail-making test-A and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-block, with a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 90% for dementia, respectively. 6 The main physical test used to assess driving fitness is a standardised on-road driving test, 7 while proposed neuropsychological tests include, but are not limited to, the trail-making test, 8 clock drawing test, 9 Weschsler digit symbol substitution test 10 and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Although there are guidelines provided in Austroads’ Assessing fitness to drive, 5 the nature of dementia and age-related decline means assessment needs to be individualised, and there is a lack of consistency among existing findings regarding cognitive testing and driving. However, this is not a simple assessment. Often the onus is on general practitioners (GPs) to assess when patients should stop driving. 3 In Australia, the burden of assessing fitness to drive falls largely on medical professionals. 2 These disabilities can affect vision, hearing, reaction time, problem solving, alertness and coordination, all of which are vital for the complex task of driving. 1 Consequently, there is a rising proportion of older drivers with dementia and other disabilities. In 2020, 16% of Australians were aged 65 years and over, with this proportion expected to increase to 21–23% by 2066. The Norwalk Hospital also offers a driver assessment program.Australia’s population is ageing.
An assessment takes approximately two to three hours. Driving restrictions are also made when appropriate. This includes clinical and road assessments, equipment and vehicle recommendations and vehicle inspections.Ĭlinical evaluations may cover the following:Īt the end of the assessment, a recommendation is given regarding a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. Provides thorough driving assessments to individuals over 16 years of age who have an injury or impairment that may impact their ability to operate a motor vehicle. In addition, on-road assessments, equipment and vehicle recommendations and vehicle inspections may also be offered. These might include driving during daylight hours only, driving only automatic transmissions or not driving on limited access highways.
A driving assessment may be needed to clinically evaluate driving ability and to determine if any strategies, accommodations or modifications are appropriate for continued safe driving or if there should be any restrictions on driving. The ability to drive a motor vehicle can change over time and, especially, with an injury or impairment.