St. Jude Driving Program

As part of our commitment to providing the most comprehensive range of rehabilitative services, we offer driver assessment. For most people, driving is one of the most important activities of daily life. By assessing the driving skills of those recovering from a severe illness or disability, our Driving Program offers a vital service to individuals, families and the community.

Who the program can help:

  • The licensed driver who has been disabled due to stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injury, dementia or other condition – and may have lost the skills needed for safe driving
  • The disabled individual who has not previously driven but would like to become a licensed driver

    What the program does:

  • Assesses the individual’s basic skills for safe driving
  • Assesses the need for any adaptive equipment
  • Allows for early retraining, particularly in the use of hand controls or other adaptive equipment
  • Provides recommendations to the individual’s physician and the DMV
  • Refers individuals to driver or vision training programs when appropriate

    The evaluation takes about 3 hours and includes visual and perceptual screening, testing of reaction times in a simulator, and a 60-minute on-the-road experience in a dual-control vehicle. The individual’s need for adaptive equipment as well as his or her ability to use it successfully is assessed.

    Written recommendations are provided to the patient. If the patient chooses, we will submit the appropriate paperwork to the DMV who will make the final decision about licensing the individual to drive.

    What’s required to enroll:

  • A physician’s order, which includes patient’s age, diagnosis and date of onset and
  • A valid driver’s license or eligibility for a driver’s permit

    Insurance does not usually cover the fee for this program – please check with your insurance plan. You may, however, request a 45% discount if fees are paid in full within 30 days. For pricing information or to schedule an evaluation, please call (714) 578-8706, ext. 2318.

    Resources

    DMV Disabled Customer Information

    DMV Disabled Parking Placard

    Reporting Law

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