Who would benefit from a driver and/or vehicle assessment?

  • A driver with a condition that affects their thinking skills or physical ability to drive safely. 
  • A driver who has lost confidence and is not managing traffic situations.
  • Those who have had accidents or near misses in the last year, had others toot at you or received tickets for driving offences.
  • Learner drivers who have a disability and are unsure of their potential to drive.
  • People who need to travel in their wheelchair.
  • Those with a disability whose employment involves driving a car, taxi, truck, bus or farm machinery.
  • Talk to your doctor about your concerns or contact this service directly.

What to expect from an assessment

  • Assessment will be tailored to individual needs and range of problems.
  • Barbara will make the assessment process as stress free as possible, to ensure you show your potential.
  • Assessment will identify physical and cognitive (thinking) ability to safely manage driving situations, and/or need for specific vehicle features and modifications.
  • Barbara will liaise with others concerned about driving ability e.g. doctor, optometrist, NZTA, neuropsychologist, family/whanau.
  • To ensure safety during on road assessments and training, we work with a driving instructor.
  • Recommendations may include returning to or continuing to drive, suitable vehicle selection and modifications to vehicles for drivers and passengers, modification to driving technique, training or limitations to driving.
  • Advice will be offered about publicly funded services and assistance given to access these when appropriate. 
  • In some cases funding is available for assessments, vehicle purchase and modifications through the Ministry of Health. Information on eligibility is available on www.disabilityfunding.co.nz 
  • The NZ Lottery Grants Board is also able to assist with some vehicle purchase and modification projects. See www.communitymatters.govt.nz