Issues surrounding driving and driver assessment for people with mental health problems

The aim of this paper is to present some of the issues surrounding driving, and driver assessment for people with mental health problems. Having a mental illness does not automatically preclude a person from driving. Rather, the skills and behaviours of individuals with mental or physical health conditions must be examined to determine fitness to drive. The paper opens by discussing the meaning of, and value we attach to the occupation of driving. Some of the problems associated with driving with a mental health problem are raised. The paper then goes on to describe driver assessment. In this section of the paper, the referral mechanisms that bring a person with mental health problems in for assessment are discussed as well as what happens during a driver assessment and the possible outcomes. The paper concludes by urging occupational therapists working with clients who have mental health issues to make sure that driving is a regular inclusion in all activities of daily living (ADL), discussions and assessments.