Can I Drive as an Amputee?
Many amputees drive! There are a few things to keep in mind in order to drive both legally and safely with a prosthesis:
- Before you can drive legally, A BMV2310 form (click here) will need to be completed by your doctor and mailed, faxed, or emailed to the BMV (see page 2 of the form for details).
- Depending on your individual circumstance, a clinical behind-the-wheel evaluation, driving instruction, and/or occupational therapy may be required.
- If you need adaptive equipment, you will need a prescription from a doctor or licensed driving instructor. Take this prescription to an authorized dealer (contact listed below) for adaptive equipment installation. This will need to be done before you can retake your driving test if you are required to do so.
- As with all aspects of using a prosthetic device, have patience with yourself. Like using your prosthesis to learn to walk, you will have to learn to drive again.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND DRIVING SCHOOLS
Mercy West Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy
- PHONE: 513-215-9500
- WEBSITE: https://www.mercy.com/locations/specialty-locations/physical-therapy-rehabilitation/mercy-health-west-hospital-outpatient-rehabilitation
- ADDRESS: 3301 Mercy Health Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45211
- Physician Referral Needed. Out of pocket costs may apply
- Several AIM patients have completed and recommended this program.
Bick’s Driving School – Western Hills
- PHONE: 513-251-2100
- WEBSITE: https://www.bickswesthills.com/Cincinnati-Adaptive-Equipment-Driver-Training.html
- ADDRESS: 6367 Glenway Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45211
- Physician Referral and existing Driver’s License needed. Out-of-Pocket costs may apply.
- Entire Rehabilitative Driving Program available at Western Hills location only.
- Includes Clinical and Behind-the-Wheel Evaluations and training to retake your driving test with the Ohio BMV.
- Clients are required to be able to independently transfer into a sedan. Wheelchair accessible van not available.
- Members of ADED – the Association for Driver Rehab Specialists. Contracted to work with the VA community as well as OOD.
Daniel Drake Outpatient Rehabilitation
- PHONE: 513-418-2798
- WEBSITE: https://www.uchealth.com/services/outpatient-rehab/occupational-therapy/
- Multiple locations
- Physician Referral needed. Out-of-Pocket costs may apply.
- Offers in-office instruction/training
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
- PHONE: 614-685-5600
- WEBSITE: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/physical-therapy-rehabilitation/rehabilitation-driving
- Multiple locations
- Physician Referral needed. Out-of-Pocket costs may apply.
- Occupational Therapy Driver Rehabilitation Program.
- Offers in-vehicle instruction/training. Wheelchair Accessible vans available.
Kettering Sports Medicine
- PHONE: 937-395-3900
- WEBSITE: https://ketteringhealth.org/services/neurorehab-balance/driver-rehabilitation/
- Physician Referral needed. Out-of-Pocket costs may apply.
- Takes Private Insurance – Does Not Take Medicare
- Offers Driver Rehabilitation Program, including clinical evaluation, road assessment, and driving training.
Trihealth
- PHONE: 513-569-6777
- WEBSITE: https://www.trihealth.com/institutes-and-services/rehabilitation/driver-evaluation-program
- Physician Referral needed. Out-of-Pocket costs may apply.
- Offers a Driver Evaluation Program by a licensed occupational therapist with behind-the-wheel evaluation. Physician prescription required. This is not driving school, only clinical driving evaluations.
AUTHORIZED ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT DEALER
American Bus & Accessories
- PHONE: 800-582-7118 / 513-821-3220
- FAX: 513-679-4424
- WEBSITE: www.american-bus-inc.com
- ADDRESS: 123 CityCentre Drive Cincinnati, OH 45216
Additional Resources:
- Amputee Coalition’s website: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/vehicle-modification-resources/
- Ohio BMV Medical Restrictions: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-restrictions.aspx
*Your individual circumstance dictates what applies to you. Please consult a physician and the Ohio BMV website before driving a motor vehicle with a prosthesis.*