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ASSESSMENTSBeing able to drive provides us with independence and freedom. Sometimes medical conditions, accidents or disabilities may mean that you are restricted when it comes to driving, or that you may need to stop driving for a while.
When you are ready to return to driving, an assessment provides you with the information and advice you need to start driving again.
Anyone can attend an assessment, with or without a referral. All of our assessments must be booked in advance to ensure that each person receives dedicated time for their specific requirements.
Driving Assessments
 On arrival you will be welcomed by our administration staff and offered refreshments. We have a selection of snacks that are available for a small fee. We will ask you to sign in and inform you as to where the facilities are (including disabled access)
You will then be introduced to your assessment team, which will normally be an Occupational Therapist and a Driving Advisor.
Each assessment begins with a consultation, a very important part of the assessment process as this enables the team to learn more about your needs as a driver and how often you use your vehicle etc.
During your consultation, the team will advise you on how the assessment will be conducted and whether you will be trying any adaptations. You will be asked to read a number plate from the minimum legal distance (20.5 meters)to ensure that your vision is safe for driving.
Each Driving Assessment will be taken in one of our dual-controlled centre vehicles. Unfortunately you will not be able to use your own vehicle for the assessment however, it may be useful for our assessors to look at your own vehicle and any existing adaptations.
After your assessment, you will have an opportunity to discuss the outcome and during this time, if relevant, you may be provided with more information on the adaptations and equipment that you will need to have fitted to your vehicle to enable you to continue driving.
If the assessment team reach the decision that it is no longer safe for you to drive, we will be able to provide you with information to keep you mobile and independent.
All private clients will receive a written report, explaining the outcome of the assessment, which will include any relevant information. If you have been advised during your assessment that you will require adaptations or equipment to continue to drive, then details of these, along with a list of local adaptation engineers and specialist driving instructors will be provided with your report.
Transfer Assessments
These assessments are run in a similar way to the driving assessments, however these are specifically concerned with getting in and out of a vehicle, travelling safely (sometimes in a wheelchair) and the loading and stowage of equipment such as wheelchairs and scooters in a vehicle.
Drive from Wheelchair Assessment
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer clients a 'Drive from Wheelchair' assessment at our centre.
However, a 'Drive from Wheelchair' vehicle may be available at one of our other centres. Please visit the Forum of Mobility Centres website for a list of all centres.
Assessment Fees
Until March 2012 all Driving and Transfer Assessments are FREE OF CHARGE! (Usually £115 and £65) Please quote reference WD1
The DVLA may require you to have a driving assessment and if this is the case, they will inform you in writing. It is imperative that you contact us as soon as possible to book your assessment, which you will not be charged for.
We also receive referrals from Motability who may fund your assessment. To find out more about the Motability car scheme please visit their website or call Motability on 0845 456 4566.
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