Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Certification Exam (CDRS)
1. Definition of a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist
The term Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS) signifies one who 'plans, develops, coordinates and implements driver rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities.'
2. Objectives of Certification
The purpose of the certification process is to protect the public by:
A. providing measurement of a standard of current knowledge desirable for individuals practicing driver rehabilitation;
B. encouraging individual growth and study, thereby promoting professionalism among driver rehabilitation specialists;
C. formally recognizing driver rehabilitation specialists who fulfill the requirement for certification.
3. Eligibility
Candidates may take the certification examination if they meet the education and/or experience requirements listed below.
A. An undergraduate degree or higher in a health related** area of study with 1 year full time experience in degree area of study and an additional 1 year full time experience in the field of Driver Rehabilitation.*
B. Four year undergraduate degree*** or higher with a major or minor in Traffic Safety and/or a Driver and Traffic Safety Endorsement with 1 year full time experience in Traffic Safety and an additional 2 years of full time experience in the field of Driver Rehabilitation.*
C. Two year degree in a health related** area of study with 1 year experience in degree area of study and an additional 3 years full time experience in the field of Driver Rehabilitation.*
D. Five years of full time work experience in the field of Driver Rehabilitation.*
Full time means for ADED purpose 32 hours per week.
* In the field of Driver Rehabilitation means for ADED purpose: Direct hands-on delivery of clinical (pre- driving evaluations) and/or behind the wheel evaluations and training with the client.
** Health related degree means for ADED purpose: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Kineseotherapy, Speech Therapy, Therapeutic Recreational Therapy, or other areas as approved by the Certification Committee.
*** Undergraduate degree areas of study means for ADED pupose: Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, Health and Physical Education, Counseling, Psychology, or other areas as approved by the Certification Committee.
4. Fees
The Application Processing Fee is non-refundable. The Examination Fee is refundable if the applicant does not meet the criteria.
Application Processing Fee $50.00
Examination Fee $400.00
Total Fees $450
5. Length of Certification
Certification is effective for 3 years beginning the 1st of January AFTER the successful completion of the examination, and ending on December 31st of the 3rd year.
6. Test Site
The certification examination is administered in conjunction with the ADED annual conference.
Re-Certification
In order to maintain the certification, successful candidates will be required to accumulate continuing education credits (points). A point system which assigns a specific number of points to each of a wide variety of professional activities has been established for this purpose. Applicants who are successful in passing the certification examination will receive a detailed description of the process and the activities which will be accepted toward this goal.
Application for CDRS Exam: Application is available on the website.
All current ADED members who are not certified will be notified by mail of the upcoming testing date, deadline for applicaion and instructions on where to download the handbook. The handbook will also be available upon request for mailing. Please contact (877) 529-1830 for more information.
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CDRS EXAM
Study Guide
Resource List for CDRS Exam
Disclaimer: Attending and/or reviewing these materials does not ensure a passing score on the certification exam.
ADED Courses: (will be offered prior to Annual Conference ). Contact ADED office for other potential dates.
Traffic Safety and Driver Education for the Driver Rehabilitation Specialist
Disabilities, Vision, Aging and their Relationship to Driving
Application of Vehicle Modifications
Driver Rehabilitation Books available through AOTA (www.aota.org):
Driver Rehabilitation Across Age and Disability: An Occupational Therapy Guide by Sue Redepenning, OTR/L, CDRS- ISBN # 1-56900-214-2
Driver Rehabilitation and Community Mobility: Principles and Practice, edited by Joseph Pellerito, Jr. MS, OTR- ISBN #: 0-32302-937-X
Driver Rehabilitation: A Guide for Assessment and Intervention, by Wendy Stav-
ISBN# 0-76164-125-4
AOTA Continuing Education/Online Courses (available through www.aota.org):
Driving and Community Mobility for Older Adults: Occupational Therapy Roles, by Susan Pierce OTR, CDRS and Linda Hunt PhD, OTR/L
AOTA Workshop:
Occupational Therapy and the Older Driver: Addressing the IADL of Community Mobility and Driving
Other Driver Rehabilitation Books/Manuals:
Disabilities and their Implications for Driver Assessment and Training, Mike Shipp M.Ed., CDRSLouisianaTech
University
Physical Disabilities and Driving; Potential Problems and Solutions, Mike Shipp M.Ed., CDRSLouisianaTech
University
The following resources are available through the NHTSA website (www.nhtsa.dot.gov):
"Safe Mobility for a Maturing Society: Challenges and Opportunities" US Department of Transportation Nov. 2003
"Intersection Negotiation Problems of Older Drivers" Volume I and II: Technical Report
"Model Driver Screening and Evaluation Program" Final Technical Report Volume I and II
"Medical Conditions and Driving: A Review of the Literature” (1960 - 2000)
Physicians Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers – Can be obtained through NHTSA websites http:\\www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Adaptive Mobility Services Courses:
Driver Education for the Disabled
1000 Delaney Avenue
Orlando, FL
32806-1228
Phone: (407) 426-8020
Fax: (407) 426-8690
help@adaptivemobility.com
Driver Education Books:
AAA How to Drive, 12th Edition, 2001.
AAA Traffic Safety, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL.
Drive Right A Responsible Approach, 9th Edition (January 1993), Scott, Foresman and Company, Glenview, IL.
Responsible Driving, Glenco McGraw-Hill; Copyright 2000, AAA
License to Drive, (Copyright 2000) by Alliance for Safe Driving Delmar Publishers 3 Columbia Circle; Box 15015Albany, NY
12212-5015
For further information contact:
ADED / CDRS
2425 N. Center St. #369
Hickory, North Carolina 28601
(828) 855-1623
(877) 529-1830 US & Canada
Fax: (828) 855-1672
webmaster@driver- ed.org
