Keys to Independence

Driving is an activity that requires multiple body functions to work together properly. For safe driving, the driver needs to ensure that their visual, physical, and cognitive systems are working appropriately. As the body changes with medical diagnoses, events, and/or age, it is the responsibility of the driver to monitor how physical and cognitive changes may impact safety on the road.

A driving evaluation is a great way to help individuals and families determine overall safety for driving and/or safety for returning to the road after illness.

How does the driver evaluation program work?

An Emerson occupational therapist/driver rehabilitation specialist (OT-CDRS) is on-site to provide a comprehensive driver assessment in a one to two-part evaluation:

A two-hour, in-clinic evaluation of basic visual, physical (strength, coordination, sensation), and cognitive (thinking skills) abilities to drive. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess “fitness to drive” and may result in a pass/fail result. If you pass, you may move on to Part 2 (below). If you fail, we may recommend that you participate in therapy/re-evaluation at a later date, OR if progress is unlikely, we may recommend retirement from driving. Part 1 is mandatory to move to the on-road evaluation. The cost of the clinical assessment is $365, payable to Emerson Hospital.

If you pass Part 1, you will be permitted to participate in an on-road evaluation with the driving instructor. This typically happens 1 week after your in-clinic evaluation. In the driving instructor’s vehicle, you will be picked up at your home and assessed for safety as you drive on the roads in your area. The driving instructor will make recommendations that may include a return to driving with or without added restrictions, driver rehabilitation, or a retirement from driving. Emerson is pleased to partner with the Central Mass Safety Council (CMSC), a driving school that permits increased availability of on-road services. The cost of the on-road assessment via CMSC is $299, plus a $99/hr travel fee. If you will be driving with adaptive equipment, the base fee is $349. Please note that, effective February 2025, these rates will increase to $311 for the on-road assessment and $363 for the on-road assessment with adaptive equipment.

Our trained team of therapists has a cohesive goal of increasing an individual’s safety and independence. We can help individuals and families make the safest decisions regarding driving by providing options and resources for transportation.

How do I get started?

The doctor must send an order for an “OT Driving Evaluation” faxed to Emerson Hospital at (978) 287-8177.

Email or call the Keys to Independence Driving Program to make an appointment. You will be asked to provide demographic/intake information as well as credit card information for an initial deposit of $150. You can email Drivingprogram@emersonhosp.org or call (978) 287-8244 to start. Please allow at least 7-10 business days for a call back due to the high volume of calls and patient needs. Note that the typical wait time for the evaluation date is 4-10 weeks from the date of scheduling.

Please allow 7–10 business days for a callback. Evaluation appointments are typically available four to ten weeks from the callback date.

Important Policies

The deposit amount is non-refundable if you cancel less than 1 week before your appointment. If you wish to reschedule and have cancelled your appointment in less than 1 week of your appointment date, the fee must be paid again. If you cancel/reschedule with more than 1 week’s notice, you will not be charged.

We require a $150 deposit to hold your appointment. This goes towards your full fee; the remainder is to be charged on the day of evaluation. Please note that if the deposit does not process >2 weeks before the date of your assessment, we will cancel your appointment.

It is required that someone else drive you to and from your Part I evaluation. If you are found to drive to your Part I evaluation, we will require that you call someone to drive you home.

We cannot perform your evaluation without an order from your doctor. If we have not received a doctor’s order before your assessment, we will need to cancel your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

We see a range of clients with differing needs. Most common examples include:

Patients recommended by their physician with diagnoses like stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia, or after neuropsychological testing
Individuals in need of adaptive equipment for driving, such as a spinner knob, a left-foot accelerator, or hand controls
Individuals with suspended licenses who were involved in motor vehicle accidents
Younger clients (16+) with developmental/learning differences, determining readiness to drive

Due to the diversity in the client range, it is challenging to provide a pass/fail rate. We strive to provide objective evaluations to decide the safest outcome for our clients.

The in-clinic evaluation (Part 1) is located at 310 Baker Avenue, Concord, MA. Enter through the long, covered walkway labelled “Emerson Health”, then take a left into our waiting room. If you are permitted to participate in the on-road evaluation (Part 2), the driving instructor will come to your home.

It is required that someone drive you to and from your in-clinic evaluation. One family member, caregiver, or support person is welcome in the evaluation room. Please bring your license, eyeglasses, and any assistive devices you use for mobility.

Unfortunately, no. However, we intermittently have grants for some populations. For example, we sometimes provide discounted rates to clients with Parkinson’s disease through grants from various donors. Ask when you call if these options are still available.

If you fail, and progress is unlikely in your future/we recommend driver retirement, which we do report to the RMV. This is to ensure that you and others on the road are held to a safe and responsible standard. We will provide you with a License Surrender Affidavit for Medical Reasons form to mail to the RMV; they will send you a Massachusetts ID card within 10 business days. The occupational therapist will also review methods of alternative transportation to help support your independence.

Please first call the RMV Medical Affairs department at (857) 368- 8020 to gain information on what exactly is required to reinstate your license. Sometimes they need your physician to fill out a medical evaluation form. Other times, the RMV may require a meeting with a Hearing Officer and for you to take a competency exam. In this case, you will need an Instructional Learner’s Permit, for which our driving instructor can provide you with a Letter of Sponsorship to participate in the on-road evaluation with CMSC. This process will require both parts one and two of Emerson’s evaluation and likely additional lessons with the driving school. This can take three to six months in total to reinstate the license if appropriate.

Emerson is one of only a few clinical driver assessment programs in MA. When an RMV hearing officer wants a prospective driver to be evaluated, our program is on that list. Our therapists are not RMV employees, and we do not communicate directly with the RMV except to request a learner’s permit for a driver with a suspended license or to report a driver who is at risk.

Please consider the safety of yourself and the others around you. Even if you have always been an excellent driver, age and medical diagnoses can have an impact on your ability to drive safely, even if you are not readily aware of a change in your function. After the clinical evaluation, our recommendation will be a part of your medical record. The medical record is a legal document that may be subpoenaed in a court of law. If your license is suspended and the police stop you, you may be subject to a financial penalty and possible incarceration.

Helpful Resources

Alternative Transportation Options
Your Health and Safety Driving in Massachusetts
CMSC Website
Medical Evaluation Form
RMV Vision Certificate
License Surrender Affidavit for Medical Reasons

How does the driver evaluation program work?

Part 1: In-Clinic Evaluation

Part 2: On-Road Evaluation

How do I get started?

Step 1: Speak with your doctor

Step 2: Contact us to schedule

Step 3: Wait time

Important Policies

Cancellation Policy

Deposit Policy

Part I Driving Policy

Order Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

What clients do you typically serve?

How many people pass?

Where are you located?

What do I need for the evaluation?

Does insurance cover the cost?

What happens if I fail—do you report to RMV?

What if my license is suspended?

What is the relationship between this evaluation and my hearing with the RMV?

What happens if I still decide to drive after I was recommended not to?

Helpful Resources