This session will provide information about facilitating return to driving as a goal for workers. We will discuss the Why, When and How of identifying limitations that would require further assessment of functional driving skills. For drivers who have not yet returned to driving, or are self-restricting driving following their workplace accident, the referral to Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) can be an important next step towards recovery. Within DARS, workers have an opportunity to be assessed in a dual controlled vehicle, where additional adaptive driving equipment and strategies can be trialed as needed.

Learning objectives:

• Explore the benefits of supporting workers with returning to driving to enable activity participation and return to work, while minimizing risk.
• Increase understanding of British Columbia’s regulations related to medical fitness to drive and licensing requirements, and the interface between the medical community, Functional Driving Evaluation Providers, RoadSafetyBC and ICBC licensing.
• Review the FDE-IQ tool for identifying physical, cognitive and psychosocial findings that may impact return to driving.
• Understand what steps to take when determining When and How to refer to DARS.
• Understand when to use OT Services vs. DARs for driving related concerns
• Explore case Studies and realistic outcomes from Functional Driving Evaluation and Driver Rehabilitation programs.