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Driving Simulator

The driving simulator is part of a community mobility screen that assesses a variety of physical and thinking skills that are used when driving.

The driving simulator can:

• provide individuals with increased self awareness of their current driving skill level and readiness to pursue a formal behind the wheel assessment with qualified professionals
• be used as part of occupational therapy treatment to work on improving skills

The simulator is not designed to judge whether an individual is safe to drive. Instead, it will allow individuals and his or her family to see how their skills match a variety of driving demands and identify any visual, motor or thinking challenges that may relate to driving while offering a safe way to practice.

About the Driving Simulator

The driving simulator consists of a series of computers and television screens, a steering wheel, pedals, and a seat with a seat belt. The TV screens offer a simulated dash-board panoramic view that features computer animated roads, buildings and traffic signs as well as other vehicles and driving hazards. If needed, basic modifications can be made to the steering wheel including adding spinner knobs and hand controls.

The driving simulator can provide individuals with:

• an experience that simulates the high physical and thinking skills demanded when driving
• an interactive environment with a variety of driving scenarios from low to high challenge.

The simulator allows individuals to experience how any physical or cognitive changes from an injury or normal aging may affect their safety or endurance.

The ultimate decision about returning to driving will be determined by the individual and their physician.

As with any treatment, driving simulation is not for everyone. Some people experience a phenomenon called “simulator sickness” that causes discomfort like motion sickness. A skilled clinician must introduce patients to the simulator to minimize the risks of this phenomenon occurring.

For More Information

For more information, call Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Occupational Therapy Department at 612-863-4004.

Referrals and Appointments

If you are interested in pursuing a community mobility assessment/pre-driving screen and are not currently seeing an occupational therapist at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, you will need to:

• get an order for Occupational Therapy Evaluation from your physician
• call the Call Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Access and Referral line at 612-863-1924 and ask them to schedule you for a community mobility/pre-driving assessment

If you are currently being seen for occupational therapy by a Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute therapist, ask them to include the simulator or the community mobility assessment/pre-driving screen in your treatment protocol.

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Related Links

American Occupational Therapy Association

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

AAA

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4466
E-mail us

First published: 01/01/2002
Last updated: 02/07/2005

Reviewed by: Joette Zola, Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Allina Hospitals & Clinic