General note: what works for one person may not work for another. The information below provides general guidance for navigating adaptive driving and may require additional resources and support.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)

• Often, a referral from MRS is required for adaptive driving testing and for financial assistance with hand controls and other adaptive driving equipment.
• MRS authorizations typically last six months, so the full process with Mary Free Bed, including evaluations, driving instruction hours, and the driving test, must be completed within this authorization period. If all steps are not completed within this timeframe, the process may need to be restarted.

Mary Free Bed

• Mary Free Bed conducts evaluations to determine whether adaptive driving equipment is appropriate.
• Assessments often include tests of dexterity, visual processing speed, and reaction time completed in an office setting.
• Following the evaluation, a staff member works with the individual to identify the adaptive equipment that best meets their needs.
• It may be helpful to follow up with MRS to confirm whether financial assistance is available for the testing required by Mary Free Bed.

Driving Instruction & Practice

• Once adaptive equipment is selected, Mary Free Bed recommends a specific number of driving hours to practice using the equipment.
• Driving instruction typically begins in low-stress environments, such as parking lots, then progresses to low-traffic roads and eventually to higher-traffic areas.
• The initial Mary Free Bed driving evaluation is completed in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• After equipment needs are established, additional driving hours can often be completed in Traverse City, Michigan. When possible, completing more driving hours in Traverse City is generally easier overall.
• For driving hours that can be completed in the Upper Peninsula, consider contacting Lisa Valentine at 906 Drive in Escanaba, Michigan
• If a person held a driver’s license before acquiring a disability, the required driving hours may be minimal.

Licensing

• A set number of driving hours using the recommended adaptive equipment is required before taking the driving test to obtain a driver’s license.
• Adaptive driving tests require an authorized test administrator from Lansing, so it is important to confirm the administrator’s availability and test date in advance of the driving exam.
• Any adaptive equipment used must be documented on the driver’s license.