Driver Training Services in Indiana

A driver evaluation for a person with a disability may lead to recommendations for adaptive driving equipment. If so, driving training or instruction and practice with the adaptive equipment will be necessary. This service is provided by an occupational therapy practitioner who is a Specialist in Driving.

If the person has driving experience and has a physical impairment that may alter the way in which he or she operates a vehicle , we can evaluate the adaptive equipment that is best for that person. Then we will provide instruction and practice in operating a vehicle with the adaptive equipment in one of our modified training vehicles. The most common adaptive equipment that we recommend is hand controls, a left foot gas pedal, steering device and special mirrors. We have all other equipment that is available for cars on the market if these do not meet the person's needs. With a new driver, driver training may be coupled with driver education in order to teach the person to drive with adaptive equipment but also to be a safe, defensive driver.

Once we are assured that one can be a safe driver, then it is necessary in Indiana for the person to take a 20 minute road test to prove their ability to drive safely with the adaptive equipment. Only after the state's approval and after the specific restrictions are placed on the license, then we would finalize a vehicle modification prescription with the adaptive driving equipment listed specific to an individual and a personal vehicle.

Some people need driver training services because of not having driven in a long time or for consideration for changing driving patterns and routes. Some people have never driven or have limited driving experience. These folks may require a more lengthy period of driver training with or without special equipment coupled with specialized driver education. We provide driver education for new drivers through textbook study and review, classroom instruction, and videos. The knowledge learned will then be transferred to the training vehicle for practicing actual driving skills.

We provide these services for all disability and age groups such as persons with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Parkinson's disease, Frederick's Ataxia, Traumatic Brain Injury, CVA, spinal cord injury, Asperger’s Syndrome, Austism, Short Stature, learning and attention deficit and many more.