Driver Readiness

The Sheltering Arms Institute Off-Road Driver Readiness Program*

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After a neurological event such as a stroke or brain injury, there can be a lot of questions surrounding whether or not someone is ready to drive again. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a medical statement from a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner following the onset of a mental or physical condition that may impair someone’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, even temporarily.
 
Some of these conditions include:
  • Level of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Vision changes
  • Impairment of judgment
  • Loss of motor functions
For many people, driving is an important daily task, and safety is of the utmost importance when considering returning to driving. Everyone who has experienced a neurological injury or illness must be cleared by a doctor before driving again.
 
If you are wondering whether or not you or a loved one are ready to drive again, the Sheltering Arms Institute Off-Road Driver Readiness Program* can help. As part of the driving assessment at Sheltering Arms Institute, here are some of the things you can expect to do:
 
  • Take a test – Most assessments start with a paper and pencil test. These assessments look at your vision, ability to multi-task, attention, and many other skills important for driving.
  • Use our off-road driving simulator – Depending on the location of your assessment and your needs, you may use the driving simulator to analyze your breaking-reaction time, ability to navigate around objects, and how well you follow the rules of the road.
 
Throughout this program, Sheltering Arms Institute occupational therapists collect specific data and share it with the driver’s physician(s) and the DMV to help determine whether a patient can return to on-road driving. While this program does not clear you to drive, it can help increase confidence and provide your doctor with information about your readiness to return to driving.
 
If you are thinking about driving again, call (804) 764-1000 and ask about the Sheltering Arms Institute Driver Readiness Program or request an appointment online.
 
*Please note: While Sheltering Arms Institute’s off-road driving simulator can help assess many skills important for driving, our driving evaluations do not include an on-road component. Therefore, our simulator does not meet criteria outlined by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be considered a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS). If your doctor or the DMV recommends a CDRS evaluation, please be aware that our driving evaluations will not qualify.

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Learn more about the driver readiness program at Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.