(1) Driver Evaluation: Driver Evaluation is an interdisciplinary assessment of an individual's abilities and/or potential to become a safe independent driver. The driver evaluation is the preparatory phase for all other services within the field of driver rehabilitation. The call for a driver evaluation would imply that there is a concern regarding increased risk when an individual is independently operating a motor vehicle.

The driver evaluation is used to assess an individual's current level of risk, and if appropriate to predict the effectiveness of future treatment (driver retraining) or education (adapted driving instruction) and as such is time limited.

The driver evaluation will include medical review, clinical screening of physical functioning, vision and visual perception and, where applicable, an assessment of cognition or wheelchair seating as they pertain to the functional skills necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. The driver evaluation must be conducted by the appropriate driver rehabilitation specialist operating within the scope of their professional license and/or certification.

Successful performance on the clinical driver evaluation will include an on the road assessment of the individual in an actual driving environment using equipment similar to that which will be recommended.

(2) Adaptive Driving Instruction: Adaptive driving instruction is for individuals not previously licensed and is provided following successful completion of a driver evaluation including a determination of license eligibility.

The program must be provided using a vehicle that is matched to the driver's individual needs. The program must develop behind the wheel competency in a full range of roadway environments and provide assistance in attaining the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ licensure requirements, consistent with the individual’s functional needs.

The behind the wheel portion of the program should be completed in a reasonable time frame and offer as part of the curriculum the opportunity to succeed in obtaining a driver's license. After successful completion of this program a vehicle modification recommendation may be generated.

Adaptive driving instruction must be provided by a DMV approved driving school and the instructor must have educational or experiential background in the driver rehabilitation field. The driving instructor is accountable for the results of the program.

(3) Driver Retraining: When indicated, for licensed or previously licensed drivers, driver rehabilitation is provided following successful completion of a driver evaluation. The program must be provided using a vehicle that is matched to the driver’s individual needs. The program must assist the individual in restoring or developing behind the wheel competency in a variety of actual traffic situations. The program should be completed in a reasonable timeframe and should be a pre-requisite to a vehicle modification recommendation and consistent with the individual’s functions and needs.

Driver retraining should be provided or supervised by a driver rehabilitation specialist, as defined in these guidelines. The person responsible for services must be knowledgeable in understanding clinical diagnosis and prognosis, and is considered accountable for the outcome of the program.

(4) Vehicle Consultation: Vehicle consultation must be included in Driving Retraining, and Adaptive Driving Instruction. Vehicle Consultation may be provided in Driving Evaluation or on a stand-alone basis. The driver rehabilitation specialist serves as a consultant to the person with a disability or the family regarding the purchase of a new vehicle to ensure that it will accommodate the equipment which the person has or plans to use.

The driver rehabilitation specialist will conduct an assessment and indicate the recommended vehicle factory equipment and vehicle models to ensure adaptive equipment will fit into the vehicle properly.

(5) Vehicle Modification Recommendations: Motorists using adaptive driving aids for the first time must satisfactorily complete a driver evaluation before an equipment recommendations report is completed. Vehicle Modification Recommendations may be included in Driving Evaluation, Driver Retraining or Adaptive Driving Instruction. This service may also be provided on a stand alone basis for individuals who need modifications to secondary controls or individuals driving with adaptations who may need equipment replacements because of their individual physical changes.

A requisite for this service is a drivers license with the appropriate Department of Motor Vehicles restriction. An exception is that an adaptive equipment evaluation may also be provided when the person with the disability is a passenger in a vehicle rather than the driver.

The driver rehabilitation specialist will conduct an assessment to indicate the primary driving controls that will improve the motorist’s driving safety. The driver rehabilitation specialist will also identify modifications to secondary controls and/or access/egress to the vehicle and modifications that are required for the person to be completely independent.

The driver rehabilitation specialist must see the vehicle or receive adequate literature regarding the vehicle to recommend the appropriate vehicle adaptations. The driver rehabilitation specialist must specify the date of when the vehicle was seen or the literature reviewed.

(6) Vehicle Inspection: Vehicle Inspection may be a stand-alone service but is required with the installation of some types of adaptive equipment, as specified by VESID. Its function is to assure that the installation meets or exceeds VESID Vehicle Modification Standards and that the vehicle modifier should be paid by VESID upon the satisfactory completion of the final such vehicle inspections.

(7) Functional Inspection With Consumer: Functional Inspection With Consumer may be a stand-alone service but is required for all vehicle modifications. This service is to verify that all adaptive equipment and modifications to the vehicle comply with the adaptive equipment recommendations and meet the individual’s functional needs and are consistent with their abilities. This inspection includes a demonstration of the consumer’s ability to use the assistive devices while driving the vehicle.

Functional Inspections With Consumer are performed by a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist. The driver rehabilitation specialist will inspect all vehicle modifications for which they are qualified to inspect, to assure they have been installed according to the vehicle modification recommendations report.

The Functional Inspection With Consumer is to be completed prior to discharge of the vehicle to the consumer’s use. Once the inspection meets satisfactory compliance, the VESID consumer and Driver Rehabilitation Specialist sign the Receipt/Functional Inspection Report and applicable product warranties.