Rehabilitation at Hackensack Meridian Health

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.

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Services & Education

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

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Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in the News

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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

Excellence

Quality

Personalized Training

Rehabilitation Excellence & Expertise

Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

Discover why Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute is a nationally ranked leader in rehabilitation and physical therapy.

CARF Accredited Rehabilitation Programs

Learn more about our programs and services that meet patient-focused, state-of-the-art national standards of performance that were developed with the involvement and input of consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Driver Rehabilitation Program?

Who is this program designed for?

What does the comprehensive driving evaluation involve?

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.

What are the outcomes after completing the evaluation?

Patient Resources

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Support Groups

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Skating to Success

Paralympic athlete Jack Wallace shares his inspiring recovery journey after amputation. Learn how JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute helped him achieve his goals. Find support.

Physical vs. Occupational Therapy

According to Alexandra Fredas, PT, DPT, and Kathryn Tuazon, MS, OTR/L, experts at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, both physical and occupational therapies share similar philosophies regarding treatment and patient care - but there are differences.