The Role of Driving Evaluations in Older Drivers’ Driving Decisions

The vast majority of older adults in the United States depend on driving as their primary mode of transportation. While many older drivers drive safely throughout their lives, relying on a combination of good driving habits, experience and self-regulation, many other older adults and family members struggle with the driving decision. Comprehensive driving evaluations performed by occupational therapists with specialty certifications in driving may help older individuals and families with this decision by providing an independent assessment. This qualitative study of occupational therapists and older adults who had a comprehensive driving evaluation found that occupational therapists who conducted these evaluations did not follow a single model, although there were common elements of comprehensive evaluations. In addition, occupational therapists noted that the outcomes of such evaluations could be more complex than a simple pass or fail response, and that family was important to the process. Older adults emphasized the importance of driving to their independence. Most drivers in this sample took part in evaluations as a result of a medical event. If comprehensive driving evaluations are to become a more available service to aid with the driving decision, then there will need to be additional research connecting assessment tests to safe driving behaviors and work to raise awareness and underwrite the costs of evaluations for patients.