RoadReady
Combining our expertise in driving rehabilitation and pediatrics to help your teenager get on the road.
Adolescent Driving Program in Metro Vancouver
Equipping Teens with the Skills for Safe Driving
At Infinity Health, we recognize driving as a critical step toward independence for teens, regardless of their neurodiversity or physical function. Studies indicate that people on the autism spectrum generally face greater challenges learning to drive due to mental inflexibility, distractibility, motor coordination issues, anxiety, and sensory processing difficulties, requiring specialized support for more successful learning (Myer et al. 2021). Teenagers with physical disabilities also face unique challenges in learning to drive.
Our RoadReady Program, the only one of its kind in BC, provides specialized support through a collaborative approach combining pediatric OT, Driving Rehab OT, and specialized driving instruction. This program aims to equip teens with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of driving.
Eligibility
- Teenagers aged 16 and above
- Passed the ICBC knowledge test and has an L license
- Able to present a medical certificate from a doctor stating the teenager is medically fit and suitable for driving rehabilitation (Template available upon request)
Program Features
- Comprehensive clinic and on-road assessment to identify strengths and limitations
- Outreach service to allow teens to learn close to their community (Travel fees apply)
- Continuous support from experienced pediatric OT, driving rehab OT, and specialized driving instructor
Services
1. Driving Capacity Assessment
- In-Clinic Screening (~1.5 hours)
- Completed in one of our offices in Vancouver, Surrey, or Abbotsford by an experienced pediatric OT
- Purpose: Obtain basic information, identify strengths and possible limitations in cognitive function, sensory processing, emotion control and motor coordination for driving
- If no contraindications, we recommend proceeding to in-clinic assessment
- In-Clinic Assessment (~1.5 hours)
- Completed in one of our three locations by our driving rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Jeffery Tse
- Objective: Identify performance in visual-spatial skills, visual acuity, motor skills, and reaction time; determine suitability for on-road assessment
- Verbal reports would be provided to parents and teenagers after the assessment
- On-Road Assessment (~1.5 hours)
- Available in Vancouver/Burnaby area or close to your home (Travel fees apply)
- Tse and a driving instructor conduct the assessment to identify strengths and limitations in real road situations
- Verbal summary of performance and recommendations will be provided after assessment
2. Driving Rehabilitation:
- On-Road Driving Rehabilitation
- Tailored program based on identified strengths and limitations
- 5-hour sessions conducted by specialized driving instructor and/or Dr. Tse
- Focus on skills necessary for successful road driving
- Recommendations on driving adaptation/modification will be provided if needed
- Sessions available from our 3 offices or a location close to your home (fee applies)
- In-clinic Training
- Recommended to work on basic skills for successful on-road driving, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, primitive reflex reintegration, etc.
- Conducted by pediatric OTs in one of our three locations or at your home (fee applies)
Cost
Complete assessment starts at $980. Please contact us for our full fee schedule.
How to Apply
Call 778-218-1179 or email info@infinityhealth.ca for more information or registration.
Funding Options
- Extended Health Insurance:
The RoadReady program may be covered by certain extended health insurance plans. - Autism Funding:
We can directly bill MCFD for the program cost.
Reference
- Myers, R. K., Carey, M. E., Bonsu, J. M., Yerys, B. E., Mollen, C. J., & Curry, A. E. (2021). Behind the Wheel: Specialized Driving Instructors’ Experiences and Strategies for Teaching Autistic Adolescents to Drive. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(3). https://doi.org/10.5014/AJOT.2021.043406
