Question 1

Is a referral required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a physician’s referral is required to receive driver rehabilitation services. Please see the 'Referrals' page for details.

Question 2

How do I get scheduled for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

At Automobility, a physician's order is required to schedule an evaluation. An order must have the client's name, date of birth, primary diagnosis, and state "Occupational Therapy (OT) driver evaluation and treatment." Please ask your doctor to also attach relevant office notes. Contact your physician to fax this information to 616-741-2310. Once our office receives a referral, we will contact you to discuss scheduling. *We may also accept a referral from a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, neuropsychologist, or optometrist.

Question 3

How long will the evaluation take?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive driving evaluation including a clinical and behind-the-wheel assessment is 2.5 to 3 hours in duration. A behind-the-wheel evaluation only is a 2-hour appointment.

Question 4

Can I use my own vehicle for the on-road evaluation?

Accepted Answer

No, the State of Michigan requires that we use a registered program vehicle that has dual controls on the evaluator’s side and has special insurance coverage. Your therapist will help you make adjustments to seating and mirrors and review vehicle controls before driving.

Question 5

Can you take my license away?

Accepted Answer

No, a CDRS cannot take your license away. Licensing determinations are made by Michigan Secretary of State. A CDRS may make recommendations for certain restrictions to allow or or may recommend driving cessation if there are significant safety concerns. A special section of SOS called Driver Assessment follows a process to review recommendations from a CDRS, physician, and other information to make decisions about driving priveleges.

Question 6

Can I install my own adaptive equipment that I’ve purchased on Amazon?

Accepted Answer

While there may be equipment available for sale online or locally, clients are advised to follow CDRS equipment recommendations to ensure proper match for you needs. We recommend that any adaptive equipment of vehicle modifications be installed by a mobility equipment dealer who is a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, as they are required to follow high standards for safety and training in order to maintain membership. You can search for a dealer near you using the NMEDA Dealer Locator or ask your CDRS for a list of dealers in your area.

Question 7

Do I need an endorsement on my license when using adaptive equipment?

Accepted Answer

In order to drive with adaptive equipment, you will need an equipment prescription from a CDRS and equipment restrictions added to your license by Secretary of State stating you require adaptive equipment to drive your vehicle. We will help you with this process to ensure you are licensed properly.

Question 8

Is adaptive equipment covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications are not typically covered by medical insurance. However, Auto No Fault Insurance, Worker’s compensation, Michigan Rehabilitation Services or Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons may be able to cover a portion of the driver rehabilitation process and necessary equipment. There are also various grants and associations that offer funding options to cover vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment, though each comes with its own specific eligibility requirements. For those who do not qualify for these programs, the cost of adaptive equipment is typically be covered out of pocket.

Question 9

Where can I be evaluated for bioptic eyewear?

Accepted Answer

Make an appointment with a Low Vision Optometrist. See Low Vision page for local low vision optometrists. The optometrist would make a referral to driver rehabilitation if appropriate.

Question 10

How many training hours do I need with bioptics?

Accepted Answer

There is a wide range of training recommended depending on a number of factors. Each client has a unique set of circumstances and factors that are considered when making training recommendations.

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