15_046_0129_1_3
Specialised Driver Training

Line Item Description

This support item is located within the NDIS Capacity Building support category, under Early Childhood Supports (Category 15), although it is commonly used for capacity building support for participants across all age groups where the goal is to improve daily life skills and independence. The funding is typically used under the Improved Daily Living outcome area.

This support funds Specialised Driver Training, which is necessary for a participant to learn to drive safely with adaptive or modified vehicle controls, or to learn to drive in a way that specifically addresses challenges arising from their disability.

Key Outcomes and Activities:

Specialised Instruction: Providing targeted, one-on-one driving instruction delivered by an accredited professional. This is typically required following an assessment and recommendation by a specialised Occupational Therapist Driver Assessor (OTDA).

Vehicle Modification Training: Training the participant on how to safely and effectively use vehicle modifications (e.g., hand controls, spinner knobs, left-foot accelerators) that are essential due to their physical disability.

Cognitive and Executive Function Support: Training may also focus on addressing cognitive or executive function challenges that impact driving safety, such as attention, planning, reaction time, and decision-making while on the road.

Goal: Independence and Community Access: The ultimate purpose is to increase the participant's independence and capacity to participate in the community, obtain employment, or pursue education by providing them with the skill of independent vehicle operation.

Rehabilitation: This support may also be used for driver rehabilitation training following an injury or diagnosis that affects driving ability.

Professional Requirement: This support must be delivered by a Driving Instructor who is certified and accredited to provide specialised training, and often works in close consultation with an Occupational Therapist Driver Assessor.

Claimable Costs: As well as direct service provision, this item can be used to claim for:

Non-Face-to-Face Support Provision
Provider Travel
Short Notice Cancellation (two clear business days)
NDIA Requested Reports
Provider Travel – Non-Labour Costs (using the support item 15_799_0129_1_3)

Note on use: While listed under ECI (Category 15), this support is widely used across the NDIS and is generally funded when the primary goal is capacity building for transport independence.