Driver Rehabilitation Program in New Jersey
The Driver Rehabilitation program is recognized nationally by the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. Our specially-trained Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS) can help you regain your driving independence following an illness, medical condition or injury. We provide a comprehensive training and rehabilitation program that is unique to your specific needs and helps you get back on the road again. (You must have a valid driver’s license or permit to participate.) Our goal is the same as yours: to help you regain your driving ability, live as independently as possible and get back to living the life you love.
Driver Rehabilitation Training and Services
We provide the following driver rehabilitation training and services:
- A comprehensive 90-minute clinical evaluation of your physical and cognitive driving capabilities, including your vision, cognition, perception and reaction time.
- A comprehensive one-hour behind-the-wheel driver evaluation in our customized vehicle to assess your driving abilities and needs. You must demonstrate adequate skills during the clinical evaluation progress in order to qualify for this service.
- Personalized one-hour training sessions that are customized for your specific condition and driving rehabilitation needs, including instruction on how to:
- Transfer into and out of the vehicle
- Load/unload a wheelchair (if applicable)
- Operate the vehicle’s primary controls (gas, brake, steering)
- Operate secondary controls (blinkers, windshield wipers, horn, headlights)
- Drive in all traffic environments
- Make quick decisions
- Outfitting your vehicle with adaptive equipment and teaching you how to use it
How Our Driver Rehabilitation Program Can Help You
Our occupational therapists have undergone specialized training to become Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and are experts in developing a safe driving plan that is customized to fit your skills, condition and needs.
We also work with mobility equipment dealers and manufacturers to help you achieve independence safely and comfortably in your vehicle.
Who Can Benefit from Our Driver Rehabilitation Program
We work with new and experienced drivers with a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Amputation
- Brain Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Learning Disability
- Low Vision (Bioptic Lenses)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Parkinson's Disease
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Stroke
- Visual Impairment
Find A Provider Or Learn More
Search our network of rehabilitation experts and make an appointment today or read recent news articles to learn more about HMH JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.
Patient Testimonial
I am so grateful for the professionalism and experience of everyone at the Driver Rehabilitation Program at the JFK Rehabilitation Institute. The feeling of independence they gave me is amazing. Thank you for helping me get behind the wheel again!
- Diana, a patient of the Driver Rehabilitation Program
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health for Driver Training Rehabilitation
JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at Ocean University Medical Center are among the only six locations licensed throughout the state to provide this specialized training. Our locations are the only two locations in the state of New Jersey to offer training for drivers using Bioptic Lenses.
Our program is recognized nationally by the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, a professional network that promotes excellence in the field of driver rehabilitation.
We create a training program that is unique to your specific needs, condition and vehicle customizations.
Rehabilitation Excellence & Expertise
Learn more about our CARF accreditation or why you should choose Hackensack Meridian Health for rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Driver Rehabilitation Program is a specialized service designed to evaluate and assist individuals whose ability to drive has been affected by a medical condition, injury, or age-related changes. Led by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS), the program determines if a person can safely return to driving and provides training or recommendations for adaptive equipment if needed.
This program is for anyone with a valid driver's license or permit whose driving skills may be impacted by a medical condition. This includes individuals who have experienced:
- Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, brain injury, Parkinson's disease, MS)
- Orthopedic injuries
- Age-related physical or cognitive decline
- Visual impairments
- Developmental disabilities
The evaluation consists of two main parts:
- Part 1: Clinical Evaluation: An in-office assessment of the critical skills needed for driving, such as vision, cognition (memory, problem-solving), and physical abilities (strength, reaction time, coordination).
- Part 2: Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation: An on-road assessment conducted in a program vehicle to observe your practical driving skills in a real-world environment.
Based on the results of your clinical and on-road assessments, the specialist will provide a recommendation. The outcomes may include:
- Clearance to resume driving independently.
- A recommendation for specific adaptive equipment and the necessary training.
- A plan for additional driver training to improve specific skills.
- A recommendation that stopping driving is the safest option.
