The need for consistency and equity in driver education and assessment post-stroke

People who are unable to resume driving after a stroke often experience reduced participation. Return to driving is made difficult by inconsistencies in knowledge regarding legislation, the occupational therapy driving assessment process and access to services. As a result, inequities exist between and within states and territories of Australia. Some drivers miss out on, or bypass formal assessment, while other drivers experience rigorous assessment which may result in licence cancellation. In this viewpoint, the authors propose a way forward to increase the equity of access to driver education and assessment post-stroke in Australia. Strategies proposed to improve consistency and equity include greater education, evidence based written documentation of procedures, a systematic review of current off-road driver assessments and the transfer of administration of driving assessment services from health to transport authorities.