Scared to Ride with Dad? Don't Just Take His Keys. Schedule a 'Driving Rehabilitation Assessment'

🚗 The Argument That Tears Families Apart

You noticed the dents on Dad's bumper. You saw him drift into the next lane. You know he shouldn't be driving.

But when you say, "Dad, give me the keys," he explodes. "I've been driving for 50 years! I'm fine! You just want to control me!"

You don't want to be the bad guy. So, stop trying to be the judge. Hire a neutral expert. A Comprehensive Driving Evaluation by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) is the gold standard for settling this dispute safely and respectfully.

This is NOT a DMV road test. A DMV test is pass/fail and extremely stressful for seniors.

A Clinical Assessment is a medical evaluation performed by an Occupational Therapist (OT). It focuses on the cognitive and physical skills needed to drive in 2026, not just traffic rules.

Scared to Ride with Dad?

The Clinical Exam (In-Office)

Before even getting in a car, the therapist tests critical metrics using modern tools.

• 👁️ Vision & Perception: Can he see pedestrians in his peripheral vision? Can he judge the closing speed of oncoming EVs?
• 🧠 Cognition & Reaction Time: How fast can his foot move from gas to brake? Tests often include VR (Virtual Reality) simulations to check processing speed without physical risk.
• 💪 Physical Ability: Can he turn his neck to check blind spots? Does he have the strength to steer if power assist fails?

The Behind-the-Wheel Test

If he passes the clinical part, they go for a drive in a dual-control car.

The specialist observes real-world behavior.
• Does he drift between lanes?
• Does he get confused at complex intersections?
• Can he manage modern dashboard tech (ADAS) without distraction?

It's Not Always "Stop"

This is why seniors prefer this over the DMV. The outcome isn't always binary.

🚦 Possible Outcomes

• Unrestricted Driving: "He is safe." (Now you can stop worrying).
• Restricted Driving: "He is safe, BUT only during daylight, on surface streets (no highways), and within 5 miles of home." This preserves his independence for grocery runs.
• Rehabilitation: "He needs hand controls or special wide-angle mirrors to drive safely." The OT can train him.
• Cessation: "It is no longer safe." Coming from a doctor/specialist, this "prescription" is harder to argue with than a son's opinion.

Does Medicare Pay?

Usually No. Medicare deems driving a "privilege," not a medical necessity.

Cost: In 2026, expect to pay $500 to $1,200 out of pocket depending on your location.
Exception: If the assessment is part of a rehab plan after a specific medical event (like a Stroke or TBI), Medicare Part B might cover the "clinical" portion (Part 1) as Occupational Therapy. Always ask for a referral code.

🛡️ Chief Editor’s Verdict

$500 is cheaper than a lawsuit, a skyrocketing insurance premium, or a funeral.

1. Find a Pro: Use the "Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists" (ADED) directory.
2. Legal Note (State Laws): Be aware that in states like California (CA) and Pennsylvania (PA), healthcare providers may be Mandatory Reporters. If Dad fails the test, they are legally required to report it to the DMV. In other states, the results are private. Check your local laws.
3. Have a "Plan B": Before the test, research Uber, GoGoGrandparent, or Autonomous Robotaxi subscriptions. If he fails, immediately offer: "We will use the money saved on car insurance to pay for your private driver account."

Preserve dignity. Ensure safety.

Legal & Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) can evaluate skills but does not have the final authority to revoke a license; only the state DMV possesses that power. Laws regarding mandatory reporting of unsafe drivers vary by state (e.g., CA, PA, FL). Please consult with a qualified attorney or medical professional regarding your specific situation.