Workplace RehabilitationOccupational Therapy Driving Assessments (Brisbane).
Helping injured workers and individuals safely return to the road. KINNECT combines a clinical assessment with an on-road driving evaluation — meeting Queensland TMR, WorkCover Queensland and Austroads fitness-to-drive standards.
The short version
A KINNECT Occupational Therapy (OT) Driving Assessment in Brisbane determines whether an injury, disability or medical condition is affecting a person's ability to drive safely. It combines a clinical assessment at our Brisbane clinic with an on-road evaluation alongside a specialist driving instructor, and produces the medical evidence required by treating doctors, Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and WorkCover Queensland to make a fitness-to-drive decision aligned with the national Austroads standards.
A structured way to answer one question: is it safe to return to driving?
An OT Driving Assessment determines whether an injury, disability or health condition — physical or psychological — is affecting a person’s ability to drive safely. It is also used where a medical driving restriction is already in place, to identify barriers and the strategies needed to return to driving within the standards set by licensing authorities.
Our postgraduate-qualified Occupational Therapist works with a specialist driving instructor to assess vision, cognition, motor control, strength, reaction time and range of motion — across both a clinical assessment and an on-road evaluation. The findings are then provided to doctors, licensing bodies and (where applicable) WorkCover Queensland.
Driving is often a meaningful milestone in recovery.
Returning to the road signals regained autonomy, mobility and community participation. Our assessments restore that safely, with the evidence to back it up.
Traumatic brain or spinal injuries
Workers and individuals recovering from a brain or spinal injury where cognition, vision or motor control may be affected.
Stroke recovery
People returning to driving after a stroke, where vision, attention, reaction time or one-sided weakness may need to be assessed.
Driving-related psychological injuries
Workers experiencing post-incident anxiety or psychological injury where confidence and safety behind the wheel need objective evaluation.
Amputations, fractures or surgery
Following amputation, major orthopaedic surgery or significant fractures — particularly where vehicle modifications or alternate controls may be required.
Neurological conditions
Progressive or stable neurological conditions affecting movement, cognition or vision where fitness to drive needs to be re-established.
Chronic pain & complex conditions
Long-term conditions affecting cognition, vision or movement that may impact safe vehicle control. (We currently assess driving in standard C-class vehicles.)
A two-part assessment — clinic first, then on-road.
Our assessment is delivered in a structured sequence so we can match clinical findings against real driving performance, then translate both into a clear recommendation.
Each report is written in plain English, references the evidence behind every recommendation and is formatted for treating doctors, the licensing authority and compensation schemes.
- Step 1
Clinical assessment
Approx. 1.5 hoursConducted at our Brisbane clinic by KINNECT’s OT Driver Assessor before any on-road component.
- Discussion of medical history, medications, injury details and any compensation claim
- Review of driving history and previous restrictions
- Physical, cognitive and vision function screening
- Road law knowledge screen
- Confirmation of paperwork — current driver licence and any TMR / treating-doctor documentation
- Step 2
On-road driving evaluation
Conducted with a specialist driving instructorA structured behind-the-wheel evaluation alongside our OT and a qualified driving instructor. (The two parts may not be held on the same day.)
- Vehicle control, observation and decision-making in real traffic
- Performance across the route environments relevant to the licence held
- Assessment of any compensatory strategies or modifications needed
- Identification of training, lessons or vehicle modifications to support safe driving
- Step 3
Report & recommendations
Issued to the treating team, TMR and (where applicable) WorkCover QueenslandA defensible written report that supports the fitness-to-drive decision.
- Findings against the national Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive standards
- Clear recommendations — return to driving, conditional licence, training or modifications
- Evidence the treating doctor needs to complete the TMR Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712)
- Support for WorkCover Queensland funding of driving lessons or vehicle modifications where applicable
Find a KINNECT clinic near you.
Explore our current clinic locations. Service availability varies by clinic, so contact us to confirm the right location for this service.
Queensland
New South Wales
Victoria
Western Australia
South Australia
Northern Territory
The legal and clinical triggers for a driving assessment.
In Queensland, undergoing a driving assessment after a significant injury or illness is a legal requirement if you wish to resume driving. Driving while medically unfit to do so is a breach of the law.
Referrals are usually made for people recovering from injuries or medical conditions that could affect safe driving, experiencing psychological injuries that may impact driving ability, or who need to drive for work or daily living but are unsure of their current ability. Clients who have undergone surgery must be cleared by a doctor and be medically stable before assessment.
Jet's Law (Queensland)
Queensland drivers must notify authorities and their health professionals if they have, or develop, a medical condition that could impair safe driving — including injuries that affect physical or cognitive abilities.
TMR Medical Certificate (form F3712)
Transport and Main Roads requires drivers with long-term or permanent conditions, or changes to existing conditions, to obtain a Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (form F3712) before resuming driving.
Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive
Practical driving assessments with an Occupational Therapist ensure compliance with the national Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive standards used by all Australian licensing authorities.
WorkCover Queensland claims
Where a worker is on a WorkCover Queensland claim, we can assist with funding of driving lessons and vehicle modifications, and supply the evidence required to support that funding.
The benefits of an OT Driving Assessment.
For the individual, the employer, the treating team and the insurer.
Restores independence and mobility
Provides a clear, evidence-based pathway back to driving after injury — restoring autonomy and reducing reliance on others.
Improves return-to-work outcomes
For workers whose roles depend on driving, an OT Driving Assessment is often the key step that unlocks a sustainable return to work.
Ensures compliance with Queensland law
Meets the legal obligations under Jet’s Law, TMR licensing requirements and the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive standards.
Identifies training & vehicle modifications
Where safe driving is achievable with support, we identify the lessons, controls or modifications that make it possible.
Supports mental wellbeing
Reduces isolation, stress and loss of identity that can follow losing the ability to drive — particularly after a psychological injury.
One coordinated service
Clinical assessment, on-road evaluation, vehicle modification recommendations and TMR paperwork support in a single streamlined process.
Specialist expertise, end-to-end.
From the clinical assessment to the TMR paperwork — backed by KINNECT’s multidisciplinary rehabilitation team.
Specialist expertise
Our OT Driver Assessor has completed Flinders University’s recognised course in Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation.
Comprehensive service
Clinical assessment, on-road evaluation and vehicle modification recommendations in one streamlined process.
Support through paperwork
We guide you through Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) requirements, forms and medical certificates.
Flexible referrals
We accept referrals from GPs, specialists, insurers, rehabilitation coordinators or individuals directly.
WorkCover Queensland partner
We can assist with funding of driving lessons and vehicle modifications where applicable.
Backed by a multidisciplinary team
Supported by KINNECT’s wider workplace rehabilitation team — physiotherapy, OT, psychology, vocational and case management.
Driving assessment FAQ.
Common questions about how an OT Driving Assessment works in Brisbane.
What is an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment?
An OT Driving Assessment is a two-part evaluation that determines whether an injury, disability or medical condition is affecting a person’s ability to drive safely. It combines an off-road clinical assessment with an on-road driving evaluation.
What are the two parts of the assessment?
First, an off-road clinical assessment at our Brisbane clinic covering vision, physical function, reaction time and cognition. Second, an on-road driving evaluation in a dual-control vehicle alongside a specialist driving instructor.
Who needs a driving assessment?
People returning to driving after an injury, illness or surgery, those with a medical condition that may affect driving, and workers whose role requires driving — often referred by a treating doctor, TMR or an insurer.
Where is the assessment held?
The clinical assessment is conducted at KINNECT’s Brisbane clinic, with the on-road component delivered on local roads alongside a specialist driving instructor.
Who carries out the assessment?
A postgraduate-qualified OT Driver Assessor works alongside an accredited specialist driving instructor.
What standards does the assessment meet?
Assessments align with the national Austroads fitness-to-drive standards and meet the requirements of Queensland Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and WorkCover Queensland.
What happens after the assessment?
You receive a written report with a recommendation on fitness to drive. This may be driving without restriction, driving with conditions such as vehicle modifications or an automatic, a period of rehabilitation or lessons, or a recommendation not to drive. The report is provided to your doctor, insurer and TMR as required.
Do I need a referral?
Referrals commonly come from treating doctors, WorkCover Queensland or TMR, but you can also contact us directly to discuss your situation and arrange an assessment.
Often paired with an OT Driving Assessment.
Part of KINNECT’s full suite of Workplace Rehabilitation services.
Functional Capacity Evaluations
Standardised FCEs to determine an injured worker’s safe, sustainable work capacity — often paired with a driving assessment.
Learn moreVocational Assessments
Identify suitable, realistic vocational options when a return to the pre-injury role isn’t viable.
Learn moreReturn to Work Plans
Graduated, evidence-based RTW plans agreed between the worker, employer and treating team.
Learn moreInitial Needs Assessment
The first-step assessment that scopes the rehabilitation plan and the barriers to a safe return to work.
Learn moreIndependent Medical Examination / Fitness for Duty
Impartial specialist assessments of a worker’s capacity to safely perform the inherent role.
Learn more
Help someone get safely back on the road.
Tell us about the worker or individual and the decision you need to make — we’ll come back with a tailored quote, the right assessor and the evidence your scheme, doctor or TMR needs.