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Elderly Senior Citizens Driver Assessment Information Minnesota
March 8, 2020

Here are some tips from expert Kathy Woods,  the Manager of Driver Assessment and Training Services of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Services.

  • Include the doctor, another family member or close friend as trusted confidants in having a conversation about driving safety; this may take the pressure off a spouse.
  • Use this type of language: ‘Dad, I’m concerned about you hurting yourself or you hurting someone else. They have specialists at Courage Kenny that can test your driving ability to make sure you are able to drive safely’
  • If cost of a driver assessment is an issue, consider dividing it among the children. If income is low and they are Medical Assistance eligible ask about a discount due to low income.  If a Veteran contact the VA about a driver assessment.

How Might a Loved One Evaluate A Person’s Ability to Drive?

If you are the adult child, ask yourself: are you ok with your elderly parent driving your children?
Are  you the spouse and co-piloting?  If so, how much directing do you do? You don’t want to be telling your spouse when to change lanes or to stop or go or slow down.

To see a video that Kathy did on Fox 9 go to http://www.allinanews.com/2016/10/when-is-it-time-to-take-away-the-car-keys/ or a podcast with similar information is available https://www.spreaker.com/user/jewfolk/the-driving-conversation

The Comprehensive Driver Assessment

  • Begins with an interview to better understand the reasons the client is there for an assessment.
  • Clinical testing follows where we get a baseline for skills used when driving such as:
      • coordination and physical abilities
      • vision
      • physical reaction time
      • quick decision making
      • processing of information
      • ability to divide attention
      • and memory
  • Behind-the-wheel testing is next where we look at the driver’s current driving habits or abilities. Are they aware of their environment?  Do they follow the rules of the road? Instruction on safe driving skills is provided during the drive portion as needed. We observe ability to change habits and/or retain new information.
  • After the drive, we come back to the clinic and review the test results with the client and family
  • As a result of the above, recommendations may be to:
      • continue driving without restrictions
      • Driving is ok but with restrictions
      • training/driving lessons
      • driving cessation

There are many adults that can drive but may need restricted driving within 1-2 miles of their house for example.

For more than 30 years, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute(formerly Courage Kenny) has been a leader in driver assessment and training for seniors and people with disabilities. The majority of our clients participate in a Comprehensive Driver Assessment which is 3 hours long. Courage Kenny Driver Assessment service is a MN state licensed driving school. Due to working within a medical facility, we require all clients complete the Assessment prior to beginning any training.

Cost and Locations that Provide Driver Assessments

The comprehensive driver assessment is $452 at any of the following Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s facilities:

  • Buffalo
  • Burnsville
  • Coon Rapids
  • Forest Lake
  • Golden Valley
  • Isanti
  • New Ulm
  • Owatonna
  • Stillwater

There is a $20 discount for those who show a valid AAA or AARP card at check-in.  You can schedule an appointment by calling 612-262-7855 or 888-846-8253.