East Anglian DriveAbility - your key to independent mobility

East Anglian DriveAbility
The East Anglian assessment centre
for people with disabilities

Phone Number: 01842 753029

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions - Essex

View Frequently Asked Questions about Thetford

Is there anywhere to buy a snack?
We will provide you with hot drinks, water and somewhere to eat a packed lunch in comfort . There are several places locally to buy food to eat in or take away. If you are diabetic please make sure you bring a snack even if you don’t think you will want it.
 
Can I park close to the centre?
Yes, but please park at the front of the building if possible.
 
Will I be able to use my car for the assessment?
No, unless you have specific driver controls on your car which are unlike any we have here. The reason for this is safety. Our vehicles are all fitted with dual controls, are fully insured and are maintained to the highest standard. The driving instructors rarely use the dual controls but they have avoided some potentially lethal situations in the past. If you are using adaptations for the first time you will be glad of the reassurance they provide.
We understand that it takes a few minutes to get used to a different car and we allow fully for this. We have both manual and automatic.
 
Do I have to drive to driving test standard?
Absolutely not. We need you to demonstrate that you can drive safely in a variety of different situations. If you can do that we are happy.

What does the assessment involve?

The assessment is in 2 sections;

The first is in the centre looking at the skills you need in order to drive and the second is on the road.

  • You will start off with the therapist who will explain the assessment to you. You will be asked about what driving you have done in the past and what you do at present. We will need to see your drivers licence. The therapist will then assess your range of movement, strength and co-ordination by asking you to copy some basic movements seated in a chair.
  • Your eyesight will be checked by asking you to read 2 number plates at 20.5 metres (67 feet) using your glasses if you need them and your peripheral vision will also be assessed (what you see around the edges when you look straight ahead).
  • We may ask you to do some basic cognitive and perceptual tests. These look at the way your brain interprets what you see around you and the way you use that information to make decisions and plan.
  • Then you will use the assessment rig. On here we can check your braking and reaction speeds.
If after the first section we are happy that you will be able to manage a car safely you will progress to the on-road section.
  • You will be given time to get used to the car and any adaptations you are using for the first time. We are looking for safe driving and nothing more. The route takes you around the local area and includes a variety of road and traffic features. The full route lasts about 40 minutes but if this is too long for you please discuss this with us. Obviously if you are using new controls for the first time we do not expect you to be brilliant with them. All we are looking for is potential to manage them after lessons.
  • When you get back from your drive the driving advisor and therapist will talk to you about their recommendations including information about adaptations, where you can have them done, and driving instructors locally who can give you some tuition to help you get used to new controls. We will write you a brief summary to take away with you.
  • A full report will follow and will be sent to you if you have referred yourself or if Motability have referred you. The report will be sent to the DVLA if they referred you but will have nothing in that we have not discussed with you.
 
What do I need to bring?
Bring any glasses that you use for Driving. Reading glasses are also useful. Bring your drivers licence. Bring any medication/ inhailers or snacks you are likely to need. Please also bring someone else with you who is able to drive the vehicle you arrive in if you come in the car. If you come by public transport we can pick you up from the bus or train station if you let us know what time you will be arriving.
 
Is there anything else I need to do before I come for assessment?
Please make sure you have informed the DVLA of your medical condition even if you feel it does not effect your driving. It is the legal responsibility of every licence holder to keep the DVLA informed of any relevant health issues. If you have not informed the DVLA we will not be able to take you out on the road as it will invalidate our insurance.
 
If you have any other questions please ring and talk to us. We are here as a resource and not a threat and our aim is to keep you driving safely if possible.We will be respectful, objective and honest with you and ask only that you are too.