Driver Evaluation & Training

The goal of CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute's Driver Evaluation & Training Program is to help individuals with a learning disability, physical ailment and the elderly drive safely. A physician referral is needed to participate in the program. Candidates also must be at least 15 years of age and meet requirements necessary to obtain a state drivers license or permit.

A thorough driving assessment is completed before the candidate enters the Driver Evaluation & Training Program. This process evaluates specific abilities needed to operate a vehicle safely. Medical history, visual/perceptual skills, reaction time, cognition, transfer skills, basic driving knowledge and adaptive equipment needs are assessed.

Based on the information provided from the initial driver evaluation, recommendations are made for vehicle selection and adaptive equipment needs. The Immanuel Rehabilitation staff works closely with the providers of the specialized equipment in order to guarantee that proper vehicle modifications are made. Special attention is given to driver safety and cost containment.

The driver education portion of the program includes on-the-road instruction designed to teach students to be safe, defensive drivers.

Drivers with Physical Challenges

The CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute offers a program designed to meet the needs of individuals who have suffered from a stroke, head or spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions. Emphasis is placed on basic visual/perceptual, cognitive and physical aspects of driving.

Older Adult Drivers

The skills required for driving can often decline with age. Limitations need to be recognized so older adult drivers can compensate accordingly. Drivers who are not able to read signs clearly; who have difficulty making judgments while driving; or who notice slowed reaction time are among the candidates for this program. If testing indicates that an individual should not be driving, transportation alternatives are presented.

School-Aged Physically or Learning Disabled

This program was established for students who have a physical or learning disability and who have never had a driver's license. Driving instruction by a certified driver educator will begin after an initial evaluation is performed by an occupational therapist.

For more information please call (402) 572-3055.

Program Goal

The goal of the CHI Health Driver Evaluation & Training Program is to help individuals with a learning disability, physical ailment and the elderly to gain or maintain their independence through safe driving when possible. Both clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluation and training is available. Physician referral is needed to participate in the program. Candidates also must be at least 15 years of age and meet requirements necessary to obtain a state driver's license or permit.

Our Team

Our Driver Rehabilitation team is led by an Registered Occupational Therapist who is a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. She is also recognized by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles as a certified driver education instructor. Additional Nebraska certified driver education instructors provide behind the wheel training as well. Our team works closely with physicians, families and when appropriate other community resources to ensure the most appropriate services are provided for the individual

Clients

Older, adult drivers

Driving skills often can decline with age. Limitations need to be recognized so older adult drivers can compensate accordingly. Recommendations and training are available to improve existing skills, identify necessary restrictions including the time of day speed or location a driver should be on the road), or potential retirement from driving. Should driving cessation be recommended transportation alternatives will be discussed.

Physically challenged drivers

The Immanuel Rehabilitation Center offers a program designed to meet the needs of individuals who have had a change in their medical status. Examples of this would include: stroke, head injury, spinal cord injury, neuropathy, amputations, debility, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease and other conditions.

New drivers with physical or cognitive considerations

The program was developed to meet the needs of new drivers of all ages who have special considerations regarding their ability to learn to drive. This could be physical barriers or cognitive challenges. Training is available both in the classroom and behind the wheel to meet driver's education requirements for the state of Nebraska if appropriate. Behind the wheel training is available for all new drivers who qualify. Example of this would include, but are not limited to, individuals with spinal bifida, autism, Asperger's syndrome, learning disabilities, spinal cord injury, brain injury, cerebral palsy, etc.

Warning signs that an individual should have their driving evaluated

Difficulty managing tasks that were once familiar to them
Difficulty managing medication or finances
Feeling nervous or fearful while driving
Dents and scrapes on the car (garage, fences, mailbox, etc.)
Friends or relative don't want to ride with them
Other drivers honking
Doesn't observe signs, signals or other traffic
Needs instruction from passengers
Slow or poor decision making
Easily distracted
Easily frustrated or confused
Frequently gets lost, even in familiar areas
Inappropriate driving speeds (too fast or slow)
Poor lane position or wide turns
Slowed reaction times
Two or more collisions or near misses even if "it was the other person's fault."
Drifting across lane marking, swerving in the lane or failing to signal
Confusion between gas and brake pedal
Looking down at feet when switching between gas and brake
Forgetting to buckle up
Difficulty merging on the interstate or onto busy streets
Failing to check blind spots by looking over the shoulder

How to Get Started

A physician order is required to complete the Driver Evaluation program. On the day of the evaluation, a thorough driving evaluation is completed to examine specific abilities required to operate a vehicle safely. Recommendations regarding driving status will be discussed upon completion of the evaluation. A detailed report will be provided to the individual, referring physician and others at the individual's request.

Clinical Evaluation

This portion consists of assessing all or some of the following areas as needed: medical history, reason for referral, individual goals for driving, visual perceptual skills, basic driving rules, memory cognition, ability to sustain attention and multi-task information, range of motion, strength, reaction time, transfer ability and adaptive equipment needs.

Behind-the-wheel

This is a continuation of the skills assessment and how they affect the ability to safely operate a vehicle while complying with basic rules of the road, reaction time and safe driving practices. Attempt will be made to drive in areas that most closely simulate the individual's driving goals.

Based on the Driver Evaluation, recommendations are made for vehicle selection and adaptive equipment that may be needed. We work closely with specialized equipment providers to assure the needed vehicle modifications are made. Available adaptive equipment includes push/right angle hand control system, push/pull system, push/rock and push/twist, spinner knobs for one handed driving, left side mounted gas pedal, right side-mounted blinker and reduced effort steering. Recommendations will be made regarding transfer assistance, secondary controls and if higher tech equipment is required.

Payment

Driver Rehabilitation services are cash-based, fee for service. Payment is expected that the time of service and payment can be made in the form of cash, check, credit or debit card. Fees are $210 for the clinical portion and $140 for the behind the wheel evaluation. If recommended, additional training is available at $80 per hour. Outside funding such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Workers' Compensation will be accepted with prior authorization.