Sanford Rehabilitation Services

Sanford Health's driver evaluation and training program was created to help you resume your independent lifestyle following a disabling illness or injury.

The first in North Dakota, our therapists are certified driver rehabilitation specialists who will assess your ability to drive safely and can also train you in the use of adaptive equipment and assist with vehicle modification and selection for specific needs.

General guidelines to determine when a professional driving assessment is necessary:

• Physical limitations that may require adaptive driving equipment
• Cognitive impairment that may cause problems in identifying driving hazards, predicting situations and deciding on an appropriate response
• Visual impairments that affect the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
• Delayed reaction time
• Apprehension about an individual's driving ability

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive?

The Sanford Rehabilitation Center offers a driver evaluation and training program. Driving is an important aspect of daily life. Following a disabling illness or injury, the driving program may assist you with leading a more independent lifestyle. Driver Rehabilitation Services is a part of Sanford Health CARF-accredited medical rehabilitation program.

Who needs a driving evaluation?

Driver Rehabilitation Services provides evaluation and training to previously licensed drivers following illness or injury. These conditions may result in physical, cognitive or visual impairments.

Diagnoses include:

• Adult brain injury
• Amputation
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke

What will happen during my evaluation?

• Clinical evaluation of physical, cognitive and visual skills
• Behind the wheel evaluation in Sanford Health's adapted car
• Evaluation of adapted equipment needs
• Vehicle selection and modification
• Driving training which may include use of adapted equipment
• Referral to other driver training programs if needed

What is required to have an evaluation?

• Complete application forms
• Submit medical records that relate to an illness or disability effecting driving
• Physician referral (Form B in the application packet)
• Valid driver's license or special permit
• Must meet North Dakota seizure law and visual requirements
• Prior authorization from funding sources, if applicable

The above information must be received before an evaluation is scheduled. The therapist will contact you once all the application information is in.

Who can help me drive?

• Evaluation and training is provided by occupational therapists who are certified driver rehabilitation specialists and members of the Association of Driver Educators for the Disabled.
• Funding sources may provide financial support to cover the cost of the evaluation, training and equipment. Possible funding sources may be Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran's Administration and Worker's Compensation.

Patient stories

• On the road after recovery—Driver Rehabilitation Program helps man drive again
• At ease behind the wheel—DriverRehabilitation Program helps driver overcome disability

Contact information

Sanford Driver Rehabilitation Program
300 N. Seventh St.
Bismarck, ND 58501
For more information, call (701) 323-6153

top