CDBC/BCAAN Education Bite – originally emailed June 26, 2024
Have you ever had concerns about a teen’s ability to learn to drive? What guidance can you provide to teens and families about driving with a neurodevelopmental condition? What options are available to support these families?
Responsibility to report
Section 230 Motor Vehicle Act requires psychologists, optometrists, medical practitioner and nurse practitioners to report to RoadSafetyBC any patient who is 16 years of age or older who:
- Has a medical condition that makes it dangerous for them to drive, and
- Continues to drive after being warned of the danger
Information is available from the provincial government on reporting a patient who is unfit to drive. If you have to report, here is the form for making the report.
Talk to your patients about driving
This article from Brainstreams outlines the cognitive, behavioural, and emotional-control factors that are important for safe driving which can serve as a starting point for discussion. Medical doctors may be asked to do a driver medical examination.
From VCH’s presentation on driver readiness
The following are activities that require some of the same skills as driving, but are done at a slower speed. If you cannot do these activities independently*, you may not be ready to drive
- Prepare a simple meal (e.g. lunch)
- Shop for 3-4 items at the grocery store
- Take public transportation, HandyDart or a taxi
- Move in the community, including crossing a busy street
*If you cannot do these activities due to a physical or language barrier, but can direct someone through the steps, then you are considered independent for the purpose of driver readiness
Consider suggesting a Functional Driving Evaluation (FDE)
FDEs are completed by specially trained professionals, often occupational therapists. There is an in-clinic and on-road evaluation and adaptive equipment can be provided. This service is available for people with an injury or illness affecting their driving ability, or for new drivers with a disability who already have a Learner’s permit. Healthcare professionals can refer for a Driver Rehab Assessment at GF Strong through Vancouver Coastal Health. The assessment is private pay, but there are funding options available (see the VCH presentation above).
For more information about GF Strong’s Driver Rehabilitation program, please see this powerpoint.
Thank you to Lisa Kristalovich, Occupational Therapist at the Driver Rehab Service at GF Strong for the resources and editing support.