Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital has developed a coordinated program to assess a driver’s ability to drive safely.

Our program evaluates:

• Vision and perception
• Physical status
• Mobility
• Reaction time
• Traffic sign/situation identification and interpretation
• Cognition — including problem solving, attention and memory
• Adaptive equipment

The Driving Advisement Program begins with a clinical evaluation completed by a licensed and registered occupational therapist. Upon completion of evaluation, results and appropriate recommendations will be discussed with you and your physician.

Our program may recommend:

• An ophthalmology evaluation to further evaluate visual accuracy and/or peripheral vision.
• An on-road evaluation and/or training, completed in conjunction with a licensed driving instructor, scheduled at a later date.
• Adaptive equipment specialized to accommodate physical disabilities.
• A road-competency test mandated and completed through the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
• Abstaining from operating a motor vehicle; alternative community transportation will be discussed.

The importance of obtaining an evaluation and/or notifying the Registry of Motor Vehicles:

Both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and State of Connecticut require drivers to inform the Registry of Motor Vehicles/Department of Transportation if they have a medical condition that they believe may affect their ability to operate a motor vehicle.

How to receive an evaluation:

Obtain a prescription from your physician stating “occupational therapy evaluation for functional community mobility” and include a medical diagnosis. This is mandatory for insurance coverage.

Call the Outpatient Admitting Office, Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital, at 413-748-6880 to schedule an evaluation.

The Driving Advisement Evaluation will take approximately one hour to complete. A family member may accompany you to the evaluation.

Please bring the following to the appointment if applicable:

• Driver’s License
• Eyewear
• List of medical history and prescription medications
• Any prior correspondence from the Registry of Motor Vehicles