MultiCare Health System

Adaptive Driving Program

If you’ve been disabled and want to regain the ability to drive a car, the Good Samaritan Adaptive-Driving Program can help.

The program serves people with a variety of disabilities, including spinal cord injury, stroke, head injury, amputation, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

To participate, a person must be medically stable and demonstrate reasonable judgment and the potential to be a safe driver. Other requirements include a valid driver’s license or permit, a physician referral or prescription, and a written psychological evaluation before the on-road portion of the program begins. (Some of these requirements can be waived by the person’s physician).

The program has two phases. In the first, pre-driving phase, our staff addresses the person’s problem areas, such as range of motion, strength, vision, reaction time and motor skills.

In the second, on-road phase, people receive instruction in a specially equipped vehicle in a safe environment. As driving skills improve, we’ll provide experience driving in higher-traffic areas, including the city and freeway.

People who are successful with the on-road phase of the program will receive recommendations for special equipment they’ll need for their own vehicle. People who need to retake the department of motor vehicles driving test can use our adaptive-driving vehicle for the test (fee charged).
    
For more information about the program, call our occupational therapy department at 253-697-2710.