Drivers Assessment and Training outcomes

Driver Assessment and Training

For many of us, being able to drive means independence, mobility and a sense of control in our lives. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s unique Driver Assessment and Training service consists of both assessment and training. New or experienced drivers with visual, cognitive, physical, mental health, medical challenges, or changes due to aging may benefit from our services. Since 1978, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has been a leader in driver assessment and training for seniors and people with disabilities.

Courage Kenny Driver Assessment is a Minnesota state licensed driving school. We require all people complete a driver assessment prior to beginning any training. During the three-hour assessment, people participate in an interview, clinical testing to evaluate the critical physical, visual and cognitive skills used while driving, and complete an on-the-road performance in one of the Courage Kenny vehicles. Outcomes from the assessment are discussed with the client at the end of the assessment.  Outcomes may be to continue/return to driving with or without restrictions, completing training/driving lessons, no longer drive or other recommendations.

Demographics:

In 2023, there were 1,196 persons seen for driving assessment, training or both.

• Thirty-seven percent of people were female and 63% were male.
• Ninety-eight percent of people spoke English as their primary language, 2% spoke a language other than English

Client Outcomes

Driving lessons

Of the 106 respondents that took lessons, with one of the purposes of the lessons being to prepare them for the MN state road test, 56% had taken the state road test. Of those that had taken the state road test, 90% passed. The 53 clients who passed the state road test are driving a median of four days a week. Eighteen people drive to work or school, 33 drive for health-related activities, 37 drive for social activities, and 36 drive for shopping and groceries.

Adaptive equipment evaluation

After completing a driving assessment 34 respondents completed driving lessons to further explore their potential to drive using adaptive equipment and received recommendations for adaptive equipment. Twenty respondents who own their own vehicle had adaptive equipment installed, and 87% were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their service. Of the 20 who had equipment installed, 87% were driving at the time of the survey a median of five days a week. Eight drive to work or school, 15 drive to health-related appointments, 15 drive to social activities, and 17 drive to grocery and other shopping.

 

More information

For information about driver assessment and training services or scheduling please go to the Driver Assessment and Training webpage