FAQ
Where are you located?
My company is mobile – I come to YOU for your Driving Evaluation, so you can test in your familiar environment instead of driving to one of the hospitals in Grand Forks or Fargo!
With what age ranges do you work?
I can see previously licensed drivers of any age, but most of my driving clients are over 45 years old. I can perform Home Safety Evaluations for almost any age.
Do you take my insurance?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not deem driving an ‘essential’ IADL (Instrumental Activity of Daily Living), so they do not pay for Comprehensive Driving Evaluations. Because people need to remain safe at home, Home Safety Evaluations are covered by insurance.
Please get in touch with your insurance carrier to see if Dak-Minn Driving and Home Evaluations are covered.
Are there grants or funding available?
Yes! For more information on grants and funding resources, please visit:
How do I schedule an appointment?
Give me a call so we can discuss your situation and needs.
I will need a referral from your physician that states OT to perform either “Comprehensive Driving Evaluation and Training” OR “Home Safety Evaluation.”
Once I have the referral, we can schedule the appointment to get the evaluation completed!
What is your cancellation policy?
I know that things come up, but I will need a 48-hour notice to fill your appointment slot. If you are not able to provide this, there will be a $50 cancellation fee.
Why a driving safety or home safety evaluation?
North Dakota tied for fourth in the country in the percentage of its state population being 85 years of age or older. Likewise, many diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia are more common in North Dakota than in other states (excerpt from UND SMHA Advisory Council Biennial Report, 2021).
Comprehensive Driving Evaluation
What is needed to participate in the driving evaluation?
- Order from your physician, stating Occupational Therapy for driving evaluation and training
- Driver’s license verification
- Signed paperwork
Do you or someone you know have difficulty with any of the following?
- Trouble changing lanes
- Maintaining good lane position
- Minor accidents
- Getting lost in familiar environments
- Improperly leaving or entering the roadway
- Driving too fast or too slow
- Increased history of falling
- Change in medical status
Can I use my own vehicle for the on-the-road portion?
Insurance liability requires the usage of a company vehicle. And our cars are equipped with an instructor brake for safety precautions.
Where do you send my results?
Your physician will receive a copy of the evaluation results.
If I’ve had a stroke and/or amputation and can’t use my arm or leg, can I still return to driving?
Dak-Minn Driving DOES have the ability to evaluate your potential to return to driving after a traumatic event. We have a variety of adaptive equipment, such as hand controls or a left foot accelerator, available for evaluation and training. If appropriate, we will train you on the use of adaptive equipment and assist you in obtaining a referral and installation of the equipment.
We will help prepare you for your driver’s test so that you can obtain the state endorsement to use the adaptive types of equipment legally.
We will help prepare you for your driver’s test so that you can obtain the state endorsement to use the adaptive types of equipment legally.
Home Safety Evaluation
What are some of the fundamentals needed for safe driving and safely functioning at home?
- Clear mind with good attention and mental focus
- Quick reaction times
- Coordination
- Adequate strength and range of motion in the upper and lower body
- Good judgment
- Adequate sensations in hands and feet
- Good vision and hearing
- Good planning and decision-making abilities
What could cause a decrease in safety?
- The aging process – general decline in physical and cognitive function, less stamina, and increased fatigue, especially in situations that require concentration
- Medical conditions – stroke, head injury, amputations, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes/blood sugar, dementia, seizures, cardiac issues, arthritis (causes pain, stiffness, and weakness)
- Change in medications
- Stress, fatigue, and distractions
- Increased frequency of falling correlates to increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
- Lack of experience with a task (driving or home)
What do you do for FUN?
I love to garden and scrapbook. My husband and I enjoy riding our Harley-Davidson Triglide. I don’t think there is anything better than spending time with my family and friends!