What to Expect at Your First Visit
Congratulations! You have taken the appropriate steps to schedule your appointment at DRCE! Here’s what to expect.
Your first appointment will consist of a comprehensive driving evaluation. We will complete a clinical evaluation/assessment and a behind-the-wheel assessment (if indicated).
Be sure to bring (as applicable):
- glasses or contacts
- mobility devices (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.)
- your driver’s license
- vehicle (if you have one) that you might adapt
- any relevant paperwork
Immediately following your assessment, your driving rehab specialist will review the results and discuss possible solutions with you. Later, you will receive a written report that will be sent to you, your doctor, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (when applicable).
Step 1: Clinical Exam (Pre-Driving)
Your appointment will begin in our center, where you will participate in a full clinical examination. First, we’ll review your medical and driving history, as well as personal goals, to ensure optimal results. Our specialists will then use state-of-the-art equipment to assess:
- physical abilities
- cognitive functioning
- road knowledge
- vision
- reaction time
Step 2: Behind-the-Wheel Exam in our Specialized Vehicles
Once the clinical portion of the assessment is completed, we will conduct a behind-the-wheel (on-road) evaluation in one of our specially-modified vehicles. We use our company vehicles for this portion of the assessment for safety reasons, as they are equipped with dual (driver and passenger) controls, and have additional adaptive driving equipment that can be utilized as needed. Family, friends, etc. are not permitted to ride along for this evaluation.
We have designed specific driving routes that give us a clear overview of your abilities. We will assess your driving ability and introduce equipment and/or techniques (as appropriate) that can assist in maximizing your driving performance.
Step 3: Report Generation and Recommendations
Once the evaluation has been completed, we will discuss your entire assessment and share our recommendations with you and your family. In the best cases, we can recommend that you return to driving without restriction. If you require adaptive equipment or techniques to drive, we will generally require that you receive additional training before we write your adaptive equipment prescription.
Unfortunately, not everyone can return to driving, and sometimes our recommendation must be to stop driving. This is difficult for anyone to hear. We will assist with counseling regarding alternative transportation options that will meet your new mobility needs as a non-driver. It is important that we make decisions and recommendations for your safety and for the safety of others using our roadways. It is always possible that your condition could change or technology advancement could improve your function. In that case, we would invite you to return for reassessment at that time.
At the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, our mission is to provide you with the highest quality individualized services, so that together we will find the best solution to meet your unique driving and community mobility needs. Our goal is to maximize your independence allowing you to reach your greatest potential.
Recent News
Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle? You MUST Know This First!January 29, 2024 - 3:05 pm
Towing with Your Wheelchair Accessible VehicleFebruary 28, 2024 - 12:43 pm
Professional network promoting excellence in the field of driver rehabilitationApril 5, 2022 - 3:42 pm
Contact Us
(703) 345-2990
Fax: (703) 378-4900
14101 Parke Long Ct.
Suite E
Chantilly, VA 20151