Graduate Certificate in Driving Rehabilitation

This certificate program covers driving rehabilitation at various levels, including screening and assessment, intervention and rehabilitation tools for the promotion of safe driving abilities, adapted driving as well as support for those who need to cease driving.

Autonomous mobility in the community plays an important role in the overall health, well-being and participation of drivers and passengers alike. One’s personal vehicle is often considered the most practical and flexible mode of transportation and independence. However, an illness, accident, trauma or the natural aging process can all significantly affect the integrity of the sensory-motor, perceptual, cognitive and psychological functions which are involved in both driving ability and accessibility to and within the vehicle. 

Further, important socio-demographic changes with a considerable rise expected in the aging population has brought about a significant increase in the need for specialized services and training in this field. Watch this video to learn more about the program and the expert educators involved. 

Who should apply? 

• Screening for the At-Risk Driver (POTH 673)

This course is intended for all health professionals, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, physicians, psychologists and others who practice in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, local community service centers (CLSCs), day centers, outpatient clinics (psychiatry), private clinics, and other institutions. It offers training in screening and an introduction to the various models of assessment of driving ability for those interested. 

• Assessing Driving Ability (POTH 674), Driving Assessment Practicum (POTH 675), Adaptive Equipment and Driving (POTH 676), and Retraining Driving Skills (POTH 677) 

These courses are designed for Occupational Therapists who wish to specialize in the whole spectrum of driving rehabilitation. The training offered will provide the therapist with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competent at all levels of the three-tier expertise framework; generalist health professional training, advanced occupational therapy training, and advanced-specialized occupational therapy training (Korner-Bitensky Toal-Sullivan & von Zweck, 2007b). Please note that these skills are not specific to Quebec and can be applied in any geographic location.

Professional benefits

• Screen diverse client populations (geriatrics, physical or mental disabilities) for driving ability prevention
• Acquire skills and tools to offer the full spectrum (screening, evaluation, adaptation and retraining) of driving rehabilitation to diverse client populations
• Acquire knowledge concerning procedural, evaluative and legal issues empowering you to refer your client towards the appropriate resource
• Contribute to your professional team or workplace, as the expert in driving rehabilitation

Educators and contributing experts

• Isabelle Gelinas, PhD, erg - Graduate Program Director
• Dana Benoit, MSc, erg, CDRS
• Alyssa Merilees, BSc, erg, CDRS
• Nancy Turcotte, BSc, erg.
• Experienced clinicians are invited to provide specialized training on a rotating basis

Course list and descriptions 

The program consists of 5 courses. The first course, POTH 673, is open to all healthcare professionals while the remaining courses are designed for Occupational Therapists.

Complete course descriptions here.

• Clinical Practicum Note Courses POTH 673 and POTH 674 are offered exclusively online, while courses POTH 675, POTH 676 and POTH 677 do require 2 to 5 days of on-site training at a local institution or a rehabilitation center. Depending on your location, there are a few rehabilitation centers across Canada that are now operated by some of our former graduates to be used for the clinical practicum portion of this certificate. This portion is always appreciated by our students because it provides a hands-on experience that integrates theory into practice. These practicum provide 77 mentorship hours applicable to those interested in applying to become a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. 

Length of program

Each course requires approximately 10- 13 weeks or one academic semester to complete. With the flexibility of online learning, reading and assignments can be done at one’s own pace, according to their own schedule. The complete certificate can be finished in 18 months to 2 years' time.

Student Testimonials

"Prior to beginning the certificate, I had two years of experience in a Driving evaluation and vehicle adaptation program. The McGill certificate has allowed me to gain additional expertise in evidence-based interventions and to further understand the theory behind the models used in driving evaluations. Through the certificate, I have gained valuable knowledge and have learned from exceptional clinicians and teachers with many years of experience. I have improved my interventions with my clients and directly applied what I have learned. Now, I also have the knowledge and tools to further develop our program at our Regional Rehabilitation Center. With online modules, along with flexible practical fieldwork, this certificate is manageable as a full-time occupational therapist and a mother of three children."

Julie M. Foster, erg., Gatineau, Quebec

“The Certificate allowed me to develop a new and innovative expertise. It really is a perfect blend of theory and practice. The program allowed me to meet both my family and career obligations, actually I was able to finish it while on maternity leave!”

Raquel Benarroch, erg.,Quebec

"Before starting this certificate, I was eager to learn about car adaptations and accessibility. Today, I consider myself an expert in the field ! As well as allowing me to stay at my job full time I have had the opportunity to meet other clinical experts in the various placements across the province.” 

Pierre-Yves Bédard, erg, Quebec

Contact us

For more information on fees, application procedures, deadlines, and required technology please contact 514-399-9510 or gradcertificates.spot [at] mcgill.ca