Predicting ability to drive after stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the ability of perceptual testing to predict on-road driving outcome in subjects with stroke.

STUDY DESIGN

Historical cohort study of 84 individuals with stroke who completed both the perceptual testing and the on-road driving evaluation conducted in a driving evaluation service.

MEASURES

Perceptual tests, such as the Motor Free Visual Perception Test (MVPT) and Trail Making B test, and an on-road driving evaluation. Based on driving behaviors, a pass or fail outcome was determined by the examiners.

RESULTS

Subjects who passed the on-road evaluation had better average scores on the majority of perceptual tests compared with those who failed. The MVPT was the most predictive of on-road performance (positive predictive value=86.1%; negative predictive value=58.3%). The combination of tests resulting in the most predictive and parsimonious model was the MVPT plus Trail Making B, such that those who scored poorly on both were 22 times more likely to fail the on-road evaluation.

CONCLUSION

A screening process is useful in identifying persons who are not ready to undergo an on-road driving evaluation.