Driving with Adaptive Equipment

Step 1: Client and physician complete necessary MVA paperwork, including the Physician/Health Care Provider Report and Consent form.

Step 2: Driver completes a comprehensive assessment with an Occupational Therapist/Driver Rehabilitation Specialist to determine medical fitness and appropriate equipment.

• Doctor sends report to MVA Medical Advisory Board for review and decision.  Once medically cleared, the MVA will contact client with recommendations and issue a J license restriction which allows the client to complete training using equipment with a driver rehab specialist.

• An assessment includes a clinical evaluation of physical, visual, and cognitive skills to validate functional abilities and a behind- the-wheel evaluation to trial potential adaptive controls. Evaluation vehicles have different hand control options, multiple steering orthotics, a left foot accelerator, and pedal extensions of various lengths for trial. A wheelchair accessible vehicle is available for individuals who may need to drive from a power wheelchair.

• An assessment concludes with a preliminary vehicle modification recommendation for anticipated vehicle modification needs.

Step 3:  Driver completes training with adaptive controls.

• Training occurs in a MedStar Health company vehicle set up with equipment for the client’s specific needs.

• MedStar Health vehicles have state required dual brakes, extra mirrors, and safety signage.

• The driver practice skills needed for independent control operation such as acceleration, braking, parking, backing, etc.  Counsel regarding appropriate stowage of mobility devices such as a walker or wheelchair.

• Training also assures the person is making safe and independent decisions behind the wheel, judging space and time for merging, changing lanes, and parking, and incorporating disciplined visual scanning.

Step 4: Driver begins vehicle modifications and completes vehicle fitting.

• Following training, a final vehicle prescription for adaptive controls is provided to the client and the client’s vehicle modifier.  The vehicle modifier will provide the client with a cost quote and order the equipment.

• Once modifications are underway the client, Driver Rehab Specialist, and the vendor technician installing the adaptive controls will meet at the vehicle modifier’s shop to complete a vehicle fitting to assure that the controls are installed and positioned appropriately relative to the driver’s abilities. Adjustments will be made under the direction of our Driver Rehab Specialist. The vendor will require that they have the vehicle for a period of time prior to the fitting to allow for installation of the adaptive equipment.

• Fittings are provided at the location of the chosen vehicle modification vendor.

Step 5:  Driver completes final training in the newly modified vehicle.

• A final training session is completed in the client’s modified vehicle to ensure the client is proficient and comfortable navigating regular driving routes with the adaptive controls.

• Final training includes a trip to the MVA for the client to complete a road test in his/her modified vehicle and obtain adaptive equipment restrictions on his/her license.  This is required for the client to be legally endorsed by the state of MD to use adaptive equipment.

Step 1:  Client and physician complete Medical/Eye Report Form and mail or fax to the DC DMV.

Step 2: Driver completes a comprehensive assessment with an Occupational Therapist/Driver Rehabilitation Specialist to determine medical fitness and appropriate equipment.

• An assessment includes a clinical evaluation of physical, visual, and cognitive skills to validate functional abilities and a behind the wheel evaluation to trial potential adaptive controls.  Evaluation vehicles have different hand control options and multiple steering orthotics.

• An assessment concludes with a preliminary vehicle modification recommendation for anticipated vehicle modification needs.

Step 2:  Driver completes training with adaptive controls.

• Training occurs in a MedStar Health company vehicle set up with equipment for the client’s specific needs.

• MedStar Health vehicles have state required dual brakes, extra mirrors, and safety signage.

• The driver practice skills needed for independent control operation such as acceleration, braking, parking, backing, etc.

• Training also assures the person is making safe and independent decisions behind the wheel, judging space and time for merging, changing lanes, and parking, and incorporating disciplined visual scanning.

Step 3: Driver begins vehicle modifications and completes vehicle fitting.

• Following training, a final vehicle prescription for adaptive controls is provided to the client and the client’s vehicle modifier.  The vehicle modifier will provide the client with a cost quote and order the equipment.

• Once modifications are underway the client, Driver Rehab Specialist, and the vendor technician installing the adaptive controls will meet at the vehicle modifier’s shop to complete a vehicle fitting to assure that the controls are installed and positioned appropriately relative to the driver’s abilities. Adjustments will be made under the direction of our Driver Rehab Specialist. The vendor will require that they have the vehicle for a period of time prior to the fitting to allow for installation of the adaptive equipment.

• Fittings are provided at the location of the chosen vehicle modification vendor.

Step 4:  Driver completes final training in the newly modified vehicle.

• A final training session is completed in the client’s modified vehicle to ensure the client is proficient and comfortable navigating regular driving routes with the adaptive controls.

• Final training includes a trip to the DMV for the client to complete a road test in his/her modified vehicle and obtain adaptive equipment restrictions on his/her license.  This is required for the client to be legally endorsed in Washington, D.C., to use adaptive equipment.