Driver rehabilitation and evaluation | Ascension | Ascension
Ascension Alexian Brothers - Rehabilitation Hospital
Locations

Ascension Alexian Brothers - Rehabilitation Hospital

  • Hospital/Medical Center
  • Physical Therapy

Hours

Monday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sunday : Closed

Driver Rehabilitation and Evaluation Program

Regain your ability to drive after an injury or illness with an evaluation from an occupational therapist and certified driving instructor.

Ascension Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital, together with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, provides driver rehabilitation and evaluation services for people recovering from an illness or injury, including stroke, brain injury, amputation or neuromuscular conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Driver rehabilitation can also benefit older adults who have experienced a decline in function, changes in physical abilities, memory or processing speed.

Call to schedule your driver evaluation. Provider’s order required.

CALL - 847-640-3119

Two-part driver evaluation

Our occupational therapists collaborate with a certified driving instructor during a two-part comprehensive evaluation: 

  • Part one: A 60-minute in-clinic evaluation by the occupational therapist determines whether you meet the visual requirements set by the state for driving. We assess the skills needed for driving, including but not limited to attention, sign recognition, problem-solving abilities and reaction time.
  • Part two: A 90-minute behind-the-wheel evaluation with a certified driving instructor assesses your driving abilities on all types of roads, including the interstate. 

If you or your loved one needs adaptive equipment to complete their behind-the-wheel evaluation, please let us know so that we can accommodate you.

Once both parts of the evaluation are completed, your occupational therapist and driving instructor will meet with you to go over the results. We will also share the results with your ordering provider. This review takes 15-30 minutes. A determination is then made whether or not it is safe for you to drive, or if you would benefit from additional training.

Frequently asked questions

  • Who can order my driver evaluation?
    Any doctor can order the evaluation, and so can a physician assistant (PA) or advanced practice nurse (APN).
  • How do I get a provider’s order for my driver evaluation?

    When you ask your provider for a driver evaluation order, please ask them to do the following:

    • Order type: Occupational therapy for driver’s evaluation
    • Include: your current diagnosis
    • Fax to: 847-981-2034
  • Is a driver evaluation covered by health insurance?

    The in-clinic portion of the driver evaluation is billed as occupational therapy, which is covered by most health insurance plans. Call your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

    The behind-the-wheel portion of the evaluation, however, is an out-of-pocket expense, with payment expected on the day of service.

     

  • Can I get a driver evaluation without health insurance?
    If you do not have health insurance, self-pay is an option for the in-clinic portion of the evaluation. Please call 847-640-3119 to learn more.
  • What does the behind-the-wheel evaluation cost?
    The behind-the-wheel evaluation costs $225 and must be paid out of pocket on the day of your evaluation.
  • What will I need to bring with me to my driver evaluation?

    Please make sure you bring the following:

    1. Valid, unexpired driver’s license or learner’s permit
    2. Health insurance card
    3. Provider’s order
    4. List of current medications
  • Where do I go for my driver evaluation?
    Both parts of the evaluation take place at Ascension Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital. You will also receive your evaluation results there.
     
  • How long does a driver evaluation take?

    The in-clinic evaluation takes approximately 60 minutes. The behind-the-wheel evaluation takes approximately 90 minutes. Reviewing the results takes 15-30 minutes.

    Please arrive 30 minutes before your in-clinic evaluation’s scheduled time to complete our check-in process.

  • Will I need a car for the driver evaluation?
    No, you will be using the driving instructor’s car for the behind-the-wheel evaluation. However, you should be prepared to transfer in and out of the car independently.
  • What happens after I pass the evaluation?
    If a return to driving is recommended, then you will follow up for approval with your provider who wrote your order. Once granted, follow Illinois licensing procedures.
  • What happens if I don’t pass?
    If you do not pass and training is recommended, you can schedule training sessions with the driving instructor. Keep in mind that an out-of-pocket payment is expected at each training session.
  • Can I retake the evaluation if I don’t pass?
    Retests are considered on a case-by-case basis by the evaluating therapist and driving instructor.