DriveABLE is an assessment of the cognitive functional abilities related to driving. It has two parts: DriveABLE:
The Part I: In-Office Cognitive Assessment (DCAT)
The DCAT is a standardized, objective assessment that includes a battery of six tasks measuring 22 variables relevant to the functional abilities related to driving. Though the interface for the DCAT is a computer touch screen, the driver does not need any computer skills. The scoring includes cut-points that are used to determine if the second part of the assessment, the on-road portion is required.
The Part II: On-Road Cognitive Evaluation (DORE)
The DORE is an evidence-based driving evaluation that assesses the cognitive functional abilities related to driving. It uses a standardized road course that is designed to ensure drivers are assessed fairly and accurately.
The DCAT (In-Office Cognitive Assessment) takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes which allows for practice time and questions prior starting the assessment.
The DORE (On-Road Cognitive Evaluation) takes approximately 45 minutes.
The DCAT (In-Office Cognitive Assessment) measures the cognitive functional abilities needed to drive. The result is represented by a percentage - the higher the percentage, the more impairment of those functions.
The DORE (On-Road Cognitive Evaluation) assesses the driver’s cognitive functional abilities in real-time driving. The result is either a pass or fail based on the number and type of errors observed. Only errors that are consistent with cognitive impairment are considered in the result.
No, computer skills are not needed to complete this testing. The in-office portion of the assessment is presented on a computer screen with a simple three-button input. All you have to do is touch the screen or press a button.
DriveABLE is the most accurate assessment of the cognitive abilities related to driving. It was developed through years of university-based research and validation. It is highly predictive of actual on-road performance.
In some jurisdictions, DriveABLE is covered by the government or insurance. In British Columbia, DriveABLE is not covered by the Medical Services Plan or RoadSafetyBC and so is considered a fee for service. However, there are cases where the cost of the assessment is covered by insurance agencies e.g ICBC, WSBC.
There are many evidence-based neuropsychological tests that measure cognitive processes in the brain. Through research DriveABLE identified the cognitive processes need to drive and chose tests that measure those specific processes. If those processes in the brain aren’t functioning adequately, then driving will be affected.
