Driving again

The Mobility Evaluation Program serves Department of Rehabilitation clients. It determines the adaptive driving equipment, vehicle, vehicle modifications, and training a client needs to be a safe and independent driver. The evaluation has a clinical assessment of vision, cognition, and movement, and an on-road assessment. It also evaluates people who cannot drive and must travel as passengers. Staff include an occupational therapist who is a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, two driving instructors, and a rehabilitation engineer. The program has seven modified vehicles. After the evaluation, the counselor receives a report. Talk with your counselor before you assume a modification will be funded. The voice number on that page is 1-323-562-1308.

DOR's employment-services page lists "Vehicle modification service" among services that can be offered. The same page says services are tailored to each person. It is not a promise that every client gets a vehicle paid for. New applicants who are found eligible can be placed on a waiting list under order of selection.

Texas vocational rehabilitation is run by the Texas Workforce Commission. The program helps people with disabilities get ready for, find, or keep a job. The phone on that page is 512-936-6400. We did not find a driving-only page there. Ask a counselor whether driving help can be part of a plan. Vehicle modifications for work, the apply link, and a first-call script are on Getting a vehicle.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association says to start with a Quality Assurance Program accredited dealer. Not every installer is accredited, and NMEDA says cutting corners can be dangerous. Verify QAP before you buy. A dealer can help you find a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. Their getting-started page also describes an evaluation and a written prescription, driver training, and manufacturer reimbursement when a manufacturer offers it. Phone (813) 264-2697. Email info@nmeda.org. Address 3327 West Bearss Avenue, Tampa, FL 33618. Buying, payment, and the kinds of equipment are on Getting a vehicle. This page keeps the evaluation, the California and Texas work programs, and the license steps.

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, ADED, certifies a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, or CDRS. A Driver Rehabilitation Professional, or DRP, is a microcredential for basic and low-tech programs. Use ADED's search. The specialist decides whether they can evaluate you. Mobility equipment dealers fulfill prescriptions. Phones on that page are 866.672.9466 and 828.855.1672. Email info@aded.net.

California DMV

The driver handbook says a physical or mental condition can lead to a reexamination. A poor driving record can too. Age by itself is not a reason. A physician, law enforcement, or a family member can refer a driver with form DS 699.

DMV may ask for medical information. It may hold a reexamination. It may require a knowledge test, a vision test, or a driving test. It may issue a limited-term license. It may suspend or revoke a license if there is an immediate safety threat. It may also take no action.

Restrictions have to be reasonable and necessary. The handbook gives examples. They include hand controls and other special devices. They include limits on when or where a person may drive. They include corrective lenses and extra mirrors.

The supplemental driving guide says to get an evaluation before you buy adaptive devices. Ask a driving rehabilitation specialist or another professional. The Driver Safety Branch number on the maintaining-independence page is (833) 543-7703.

Texas Department of Public Safety

DPS says a license specialist may ask more questions. The specialist may require a physician's statement. The specialist may require a driving test, a written test, and a vision test.

If a medical condition may affect safe driving, DPS can refer the case to the Medical Advisory Board. That board is a panel of doctors. The Texas Department of State Health Services appoints them. The board reviews medical information. It sends a recommendation back to DPS.

The drive-test page says a drive test is required in one case. That case is a medical condition that may affect safe driving. Restriction codes can include an automatic transmission. They can include applicable prosthetic devices. They can include power steering. Visit a driver license office if you need a code reviewed. This page does not tell you how to answer the medical questions on the application.