Drive Safe Program FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our driving evaluation program

It’s natural to have questions if your doctor or a loved one has recommended a driving evaluation to determine if it’s safe for you to drive. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the questions we hear most often from patients and their loved ones about our Drive Safe Program.

What Are the Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) Requirements for Driving Ability?

The RMV notes that there is no age at which a person’s driving privileges are automatically revoked. However, if you are 75 or older, you have to renew your driver’s license in person at an RMV Service Center to take an eye test or present a vision screening certificate.

If you have medical limitations that affect your ability to drive, you must report those to the RMV when you renew your license. You and your doctor can discuss whether you need equipment to help you drive. If you have trouble with any of the following driving activities, the RMV suggests you might want to consider driving less or not at all:

• Following detours or seeing police on detail
• Hearing other vehicles
• Keeping up with the posted speed limits
• Reading road signs
• Seeing train crossing signals or hearing train whistles
• Slow reaction times or reflexes

Learn more about the RMV’s requirements for older drivers and those with medical impairments.

If you and your doctor are unsure if your medical condition means you are not able to drive safely, you will benefit from a Drive Safe Evaluation.

How Do I Get a Referral for a Drive Safe Evaluation?

You will need a doctor’s prescription for a driving evaluation. The prescription should include your diagnosis or the reason for your referral. Your doctor’s office can fax the prescription to us at 617-243-6651, or you can bring the prescription with you to your first appointment with us.

You, your family members, or your doctor can schedule an appointment with us by calling the Department of Rehabilitation Services at 617-243-6172.

What Should I Bring to My Evaluation?

You will need the following items on the day of your driving evaluation:

• Corrective lenses (for both reading and distance)
• Doctor’s order (if it has not already been sent)
• Driver’s license
• List of your current medications
• Payment for the evaluation

We ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you have completed the Rehab Medical Status Questionnaire prior to your appointment, you may arrive 15 minutes early.

What will happen on the Day of My Driving Evaluation?

Your clinical evaluation will take one and a half to two hours to complete. At the end of your evaluation, your occupational therapist will review your results and recommendations concerning driving ability with you and your family members, if they are present. If you demonstrate the underlying skills needed for driving, we will give you the information you will need to proceed with your on-road assessment. This assessment will take place on another day with the driving instructor.

If you are not ready to proceed with your on-road assessment, we will give you recommendations and resources to improve your readiness for this portion of your evaluation. These recommendations may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Consultations with vision or medical specialists
• Enrolling in a mature driving program
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Training with assistive driving devices

If your driving evaluation indicates that you should not continue driving, your occupational therapist will discuss alternative transportation options with you and your loved ones. These options can enable you to remain independent and continue to participate in your daily activities.

How Do I Pay for My Drive Safe Evaluation?

Drive Safe is a fee-for-service program. We encourage you to check your insurance plan for coverage and reimbursement guidelines. The fee for your clinical evaluation is $225, and payment is expected at the time of service. You may choose to submit this information to your insurance company to determine whether your driving evaluation is a covered benefit. You will be responsible for this fee regardless of any determination that your insurance company makes.

The fee for your on-road assessment is set by the driving instructor’s company. This fee is payable at the time of that evaluation, and it is separate and exclusive of the fee for your Drive Safe clinical evaluation that we perform.

What Happens After My Evaluation?

Your occupational therapist will send a report to your referring doctor and any other requested or necessary parties. This report summarizes the results of your evaluation and the therapist’s recommendations.

If you do not follow a recommendation to stop driving, we can send a report to the RMV. Please note: We are not affiliated with the RMV, and we do not have the authority to revoke a driver’s license. Learn about the process for reporting a medically impaired driver to the RMV.