[Retrospective study of a method of automobile driving evaluation in adult mental health].

Background: In adult mental health, there are few practice guidelines for occupational therapists with regards to the assessment of driving capacities.

Purpose: This article describes a clinical approach, with regards to driving assessments, in adult mental health.

Method: A retrospective study was completed from a chart review of clients seen in occupational therapy, between 1999 and 2004, in the psychiatric out-patient clinic of a university-affiliated hospital.

Findings: The occupational therapists are not offering road tests but results on the following tests discriminate those individuals considered safe or unsafe drivers: "Trail A" (p=0,0004), "Trail B" (p=0,0005), "Cognitive Behavioural Driver's Inventory" (p=0.006), "Continuous Performance Test" (p=0,001).

Implications: Results on some psychometric measures have an impact on recommendations made by occupational therapists assessing driving capacities. Future studies should include road test performance of clients in adult mental health.