Interventions for resuming driving after traumatic brain injury

Purpose: To describe the goals, processes, resources and outcomes of on-road training lessons provided to drivers with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who failed an initial occupational therapy (OT) driver assessment. Method: Descriptive cohort study using file audit design of 340 drivers with mild to severe TBI. Measures included; number and goals of on-road training lessons and reassessments, time from injury to independent driving, license restrictions, years licensed, physical/visual impairments and injury severity. Results: Initial OT driver assessment was passed by 72% (n = 246) cases. Of the 28% (n = 94) who failed, 93% (n = 87) resumed driving following on-road training; 42 (45%) with an open licence, 45 (48%) with restricted licence and seven (7%) failed to meet licencing standards. Individuals required, on average, 7.0 driving lessons (14 driving instructor hours), and 2.5 on-road reassessments, (9.8 OT and 3.8 driving instructor hours). Lesson goals were recommended to develop compensatory strategies for cognitive impairments (64%), improve previously learned driving skills (57%), improve confidence (53%), and address physical (26%) or visual impairment (16%). Conclusions: Investment in on-road training lessons addressing individual goals, followed by reassessment and use of restricted licenses, can achieve successful return to driving following TBI.