Driver Education Services in Florida

Driver Education

Adaptive Mobility Services, Inc. provides specialized driver education for a variety of ages and disabilities. The service for a new or inexperienced driver is provided by an occupational therapy practitioner that is a Specialist in Driving.

The in-vehicle instruction and practice will take place in one of our dual-controlled vehicles with adaptive driving equipment if needed. Depending upon the person’s needs and experience, we may use textbook study, classroom instruction and video viewing to augment the in-vehicle education and instruction.

Our Driving Specialists tailor instructions and teachings per the driver’s learning level and style. Driver education for people with a disability must be structured uniquely for an individual. The typical sequence and teaching methods for driver education must be adapted for the particular person we are working with and for their own learning style. The lessons are structured with goals but flexible as necessary for the individual's needs and challenges. Our Driving Specialists’ background in the allied health field of occupational therapy adds greatly to their ability to tailor instructions and teachings per the driver’s learning level and style. We are experts at activity analysis and use this successfully with the task of driving. Our Specialists teach one-on-one and progress the driver in traffic and speed as the proficiency develops. 

We are not just teaching a person to operate a vehicle. We also want the person to become a safe, defensive driver and become proficient in these areas as he or she progresses in the driving lessons:

• Driver and traffic knowledge
• Perceptual skills
• Traffic risk recognition
• Control skills in the avoidance of a collision

As occupational therapy practitioners, we understand the importance of patience as a person with a disability learns a new activity or task. We believe that driving is the most complex task that most people do in a day's time, so we take the time to progress each person at their own pace and we are patient if one takes longer than another. 

We teach driving performance skills in a sequential, progressive process from the simplest to most complex skill level. We teach the knowledge and skill required for safe physical operation of the vehicle before teaching the visual and thinking skills required for good control and for quick and anticipatory thinking. Our staff will start with simple tasks first and progress to more complex tasks as the person is ready. For example, we will teach the person how to steer and allow him or her to become proficient with this task before moving on to the turn signals and mirror use. Then we will add practice with speed and steering control in an off-road setting. As proficiency increases, we will move the person onto low traffic streets and begin working on lane markings, traffic lights and stop sign intersections. We want the driver to be proficient in visual awareness and scanning before expecting the person to make quick, independent and safe decisions. 

Our therapists have a passion for this specialty field and work very hard to help each and every client achieve independence in driving if possible. We stand ready to help you. Give us a call if you have more questions about our services. We will be happy to give more detail or explain the process per your disability.