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What is a Driver Evaluation?

What is a Driver Evaluation?

Woman with wheelchair exiting vehicle on driver's side
A driver evaluation is an assessment of the physical and cognitive skills necessary to safely drive a car. If you have a physical or cognitive limitation that impacts your ability to drive, your driver assessment can help you to regain your driving privileges. Your evaluation results can also be used to prescribe handicap assistive devices to modify your vehicle. Keep reading for details about the DMV driver medical evaluation form, handicap assistive devices such as hand controls, van dealerships where you can modify your vehicle, wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions, and more.


Driver Medical Evaluation Criteria

In addition to reporting your cognitive fitness to drive on the DMV driver medical evaluation form, you will undergo an assessment of your physical ability to operate a vehicle. The physical portion of your driver medical evaluation will address the following:

  • Vision – Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, peripheral vision, and color recognition.
  • Physical Ability – Strength, range of motion, endurance, coordination, and sensation.
  • Cognition – Problem solving, judgement, attention, memory, spatial.
  • Reaction Time – Accurate and timely response.
  • Self Control – Emotional regulation in the driving environment.

How is the DMV Driver Medical Evaluation Form Used?

The first step in the driver evaluation process is the DMV driver medical evaluation form. This clinical portion consists of a medical questionnaire to assess relevant cognitive and visual skills that you’ll need behind the wheel. Specifically, DMV questions will evaluate your attention, judgment, memory, spatial, perception, and problem solving.

After answering all the questions on your DMV driver medical evaluation form, have your physician fill out the second half. Next, bring the form to a Driver Assessment Reexamination location near you. Whether you live in Los Angeles, CA or Orlando, FL, every state has a reexamination process and facilities where a reexamination may be carried out. If evaluators decide that you are now fit to drive, you’ll be able to get your driver’s license reinstated.

What Handicap Assistive Devices Are Available?

After your driver evaluation, you may be prescribed one or more handicap assistive devices such as hand controls. Van dealerships like Freedom Motors USA stock vehicles specifically designed to accommodate modifications and other equipment like wheelchairs. These dealerships can also install, fit, and adjust any modifications to your vehicles. While every modification is customized to the individual’s needs, the most popular handicap assistive devices include:

  • Lowered-floor wheelchair accessible van
  • Electronic driving systems
  • Wheelchair or scooter lift
  • Wheelchair restraints
  • Docking systems
  • Hand controls
  • Transfer seat

Find a Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle at Freedom Motors USA!

Looking for a handicap vehicles for sale equipped with hand controls? Van dealerships like Freedom Motors USA offer a wide range of handicap assistive devices and pre-modified accessible vehicles. Connect with our team to explore wheelchair van seating options and accessible SUVs like the Honda HR-V!