The aim of a driver assessment is to check your physical and cognitive ability to drive a vehicle safely and in comfort and to offer advice on aids and adaptations that may assist driving. An assessment is not a test. We are here to help and provide advice and information. We do not sell any equipment.
The assessment process will establish your fitness to drive, related to your medical condition. All assessments are carried out by a team of qualified occupational therapists and approved driving instructors who will be present during your on-road assessment. Manual and automatic vehicles with dual controls, are available with and without vehicle adaptations.
We provide assessments and advice on a number of vehicle adaptations:
Easy release handbrake, switching unit, left-foot accelerator, pedal extensions, hand controls, steering aids.
If a GP or NHS professional refers you: FREE
If you contact us yourself (known as self referral): £160
If a rehabilitation case manager refers you: £400
If a private therapist refers you: £400
You can refer yourself for an assessment using the refer button below, the DVLA can refer you or you can be referred by a healthcare professional. In all cases the application form should be filled in and returned to the Centre. We will then get in contact with you to confirm your chosen date, once your application has been authorised by an occupational therapist. There are fees involved with driving assessments, please see above.
The appointment will consist of a short interview followed by an on-road assessment where you will drive one of our vehicles around the local area. You will be asked to undergo a brief cognitive assessment and read a number plate at least 20.5m in the distance, and then, following instruction from the driving instructor, asked to demonstrate your driving ability on the road. The practical aspect of the assessment should not take any longer that 40-45 minutes.
We are sorry but we cannot offer assessments in your own vehicle nor off-road assessments.
The occupational therapist and driving instructor will have a brief discussion about the assessment and then you will be invited to join them to discuss the outcome of the assessment. You will then be advised on the next steps. You will receive a copy of their report. If you have been referred by the DVLA and wish to see a copy of the report, you will need to request a copy from them.
Assessments are available at our centres in Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster, York and Scarborough. Please see Contact page for the address and directions to each centre.
Any questions?
What should I expect when I arrive at the William Merritt Centre?
You will be greeted by a friendly member of the reception team who will ask for your name and ask you to sign in. You will then be met by one of our professional occupational therapists (who is also a driver assessor) and an approved driving instructor who will take you to a separate room for a discussion about your medical condition. Once the discussion is complete, you will be asked to read a number plate from one of the cars in the car park and then, following instruction from the driving instructor, asked to demonstrate your driving ability on the road. The occupational therapist will sit in the back of the vehicle making notes during the assessment. The practical aspect of the assessment should not take any longer that 40-45 minutes.
What should I bring to my assessment?
Many people like to bring a friend or relative along with them for the assessment and they are very welcome. Please bring:
- List of your current medication.
- Your valid driving licence. The DVLA may issue you with a different type of driving licence. This is important as, unfortunately, the assessment cannot go ahead without it.
- Your National Insurance number. This is required to check your licence with the DVLA on the day.
- If applicable, any glasses that you need/use for driving
Can I drive to the assessment?
No, please do not bring your own vehicle to the assessment. We would advise that you either use public transport or ask your friend or relative to drive you.
We are proud to be members of
We are one of the 20 Driving Mobility centres nationwide