Source: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Susan Lillie, OTR
Many special needs young adults are eligible to drive and obtain a Driver’s License. If your child is over 16 and you think he/she might be eligible to drive, please check with your child’s physician regarding any needed medical clearance.
Formal Driving Evaluation—SCVMC no longer offers formal driver evaluations, but wants to provide information and resources for our patients. A comprehensive evaluation is the combination of a clinical assessment and behind-the-wheel assessment. A Bay Area community program that offers comprehensive evaluation services includes:
Adaptive Driving Services
Hazel Simin, CDRS (408) 984-7949. Evaluations are typically not covered by medical insurance.
Information regarding driving with physical disabilities:
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•Driving and Cerebral Palsy: http://www.driver-ed.org/files/public/Cerebral_Palsy.pdf
•Driving and Spina Bifida: http://www.driver-ed.org/files/public/Spina_Bifida.pdf
•Driving and Traumatic Brain Injury: http://www.driver-ed.org/files/public/TBI.pdf
Adaptive Driving Schools
Experience varies with instructor. Most Driver Instructors travel to your home and provide a training car. Driving instruction is not covered by medical insurance.
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Safe Driving School
Website: www.TheSafeDriver.com
Contact: Marc Samuels OT
Phone: 650-455-3703
Driver Assessment Facilities
Adaptive Driving Aid
3155 Williamsburg Drive
San Jose, CA 95117
Phone: 1-408-866-7237 or 1-800-371-4243
Contact: Sam Graf, Rehabilitation Driver Consultant
Offers driver evaluations based out of the client’s home and, when appropriate, using the client’s own car. Mobile, on-site evaluations from Santa Rosa to Monterey. Offers driver education and training. Adaptive equipment installation. Prospective clients must have a driver’s license or temporary permit.
Apex Driving School
275 Fifth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 1-415-541-4090
Fax: 1-415-566-2941
Provides individuals with disabilities the essential skills for safe driving,
and when necessary for safety, assists their transition to a non-driver
status. Offers driver assessment/evaluation, education and training. Offers classroom instruction and On Road instruction. Offers licensing assistance.
Bond Driving School
3333 Balmoral Drive
Sacramento, CA 95821
Phone: 1-916-485-5779 or 1-877-907-BOND
http://www.bonddrivingschool.com/
Offers specialized adaptive driving instruction using the vehicle owned by the person with a disability.
Simply the Best Driving School
648 Northfield Drive, Suite C
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: 1-916-929-7085
Offers adaptive driving evalations and training.
Books
The Disabled Driver’s Mobility Guide
AAA Traffic Safety and Engineering
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746-5080
E-Mail: publicaffairs@national.aaa.com
http://www.aaapublicaffairs.com
Contact your local AAA office or go to their website. Includes information about adaptive equipment, vehicle modifications, driver training and related services