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