Driving Assessment
Driving Assessment
This page includes more detailed information about a driving assessment at Disability Action's Mobility Centre.
Why have I been referred for a driving assessment?
You have been referred to the Mobility Centre by the Driver Vehicle Agency for a driving assessment as there has been a recent change in your health that may affect your ability to drive. The purpose of this assessment is to help you to determine your current and future needs for safe driving and will take the form of a visual and an on road driving assessment. The Mobility Centre is a unit within Disability Action and is independent of the Driver Vehicle Agency (we are not a driving test centre). The driving assessment is not a formal driving test but an assessment to help people to retain their licence or return to driving safely. Our aim is to help you to continue driving.
The driving assessment will involve:
- Asking some questions about your relevant medical history
- Basic visual testing to ensure that the legal visual standards for driving are met.
- Using equipment to measure areas such as braking, steering, power and reaction times. This is conducted in our office prior to the on road segment of the assessment.
- An on road driving assessment. Your assessor will discuss the route that will be taken and fully inform you of what is involved. You can also discuss the route prior to attending the Centre.
At the assessment centre you will be introduced to the driving assessor who is trained in the field of mobility/cognitive impairments. Your assessor will guide you through what is involved in the assessment and answer any questions that you have. The assessment can vary in time and can last up to two hours.
Usually the driving assessment takes place in one of our vehicles but may be carried out in your own vehicle if appropriate. The driving assessor can discuss this with you prior to your appointment.
The purpose of the driving assessment is to determine your ability to drive safely. If you have any concerns prior to the driving assessment please contact the Mobility Centre where one of our driving assessors can discuss these with you.
What happens after my assessment?
- The assessor will inform you of the outcome on the day and will identify any recommendations or adaptations to your vehicle that you may require to enable you to drive.
- If you are not happy with the outcome the assessor will explain the procedure for appealing.
- The assessor will then forward a report on your assessment to the Driver Vehicle Agency to assist them with their decision regarding your ability to drive.
What do I need to bring?
- Current driving licence if you have it. Don't worry if you do not have it as the information we require will come with your file from DVA.
- Your glasses if required.
- Current vehicle tax, insurance and MOT if using your own vehicle for the assessment.
- The enclosed appointment letter with you on the day.
Where can I do my assessment?
The assessment will be carried in one of the following centres:
Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Newry, Ballymena or Dungannon
If you have any concerns about driving in an unfamiliar area your assessor will discuss the route with you.
What happens if I have to cancel my appointment?
It is important to try to keep your appointment so that you can return to driving as soon as possible. If you do need to rearrange an appointment please give 3 working days notice as failure to do so may result in you having to pay the fee for the next appointment. The charge for this could be £75. If you do not keep an appointment on 2 separate occasions your file may be returned to the DVA and your licence may be revoked/refused.
Before your appointment please confirm your attendance by contacting us at the mobility centre either via phone on 028 90 297877, textphone on 028 90297882 or e-mail at mobilitycentre@disabilityaction.org.
Please let us know if you require this information in an alternative format or any communication support for your assessment.
