• Vouchers from Illinois Vocational Rehab (DRS)
• Letters of authorization from school districts
• Self-pay options (credit card, check, cash)

Fees for Self-Pay Clients (reflects discounted prices paid prior to and date of service)

• Full car evaluation $525
• Full van evaluation $815
• Driver readiness evaluation $325
• Behind the wheel car evaluation $325
• Behind the wheel van evaluation $615
• Behind the wheel training $200/hour

See Referrals page for third party payer rates.

You may be eligible to receive funding assistance through the IL Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (877-581-3690) or your school district. To inquire, contact the special education department in your district.

Financial assistance may be available for lessons, fitting and travel charges through the Pam Bartle Memorial Fund. This is a needs-based program. Ask your therapist on how to apply.

We are reserving this scheduled time just for you. Cancellations given with less than 48 hours notice (only counting business days, M-F) will result in a fee. Late cancellation of an evaluation is $150; late cancellation of a behind the wheel lesson(s) is $50 per hour of lesson cancelled. Exceptions can be made due to weather or illness. Clients are limited to cancelling/rescheduling appointments a maximum of 3 times.

STRIVE will refund a deposit for an evaluation if greater than 48 hours notice is given (only counting business days, M-F) less a $25 administrative fee. 

Contact STRIVE if you have any questions. 

If the weather is severe, we will contact you to reschedule your appointment. If you have any concerns about your safety, you should reschedule your appointment. However, if the weather is such that you would typically drive on a day with similar weather (i.e. drizzle, light snow), you should come for your appointment. Contact us if you are unsure. There will be no charge for a weather-related cancellation.

If you would like, you can review the IL Rules of the Road booklet. You should bring your permit or license (if you have one), a list of your medications, your glasses (reading glasses too), sunglasses if needed, and any communication you have received from the Secretary of State Medical Review Unit.

Having your eyes examined before your evaluation can save you time and money. Optometrists recommend an eye exam every two years, and annually when you get older. You should have a recent eye exam before you come for your evaluation. You should have your eyes examined after you have experienced a change in medical status.

The clinical evaluation assesses all components of the driving task including vision and thinking skills in addition to the physical assessment. We also discuss the adaptive equipment and vehicle implications as well as the steps toward independent driving with adaptive equipment.

No. Our results are discussed with you and a report with this information is sent to the referring physician and any third-party funding source.

Yes. Strive for Independence is not a licensing agency.

At the conclusion of your appointment, we will review your results and discuss recommendations for the next steps. We will also send a report with this information to the referring physician and any third-party funding source.

No. Driving school regulations require the use of a vehicle that has dual controls and is safety inspected on a regular basis.

Yes. We are licensed occupational therapists and this is a requirement according to our professional practice act.

Yes! Upon completion of the clinical evaluation (or readiness evaluation), your therapist will guide you through the next steps including the IL Secretary of State processes. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to return on another day with a permit or license to complete the behind-the-wheel assessment.

Environmental screening is an assessment of the driver's use of his or her telescopic lens as a passenger. Completion of an environmental screening may be required by the IL Secretary of State as part of the process to become licensed to drive using BTS. 

Click here to learn more.

Yes! STRIVE for Independence is a certified Illinois state driving school and meets all Illinois State Board of Education requirements. Therefore, the teenagers we work with are eligible for licensure. We will work with you and your school to ensure the successful completion of the state requirements. We offer the behind-the-wheel portion of Driver Education. 

We follow the best practice guidelines set forth by ADED and NMEDA; both recommend training for novice and experienced drivers. Experienced drivers need to "unlearn" years of driving without equipment. It is important to be sure that in a "panic" situation the adaptive equipment is used and used properly.

This varies widely based on if the equipment is needed, previous driving experience, and any other conditions that may impact safe driving.

Perhaps. There are many considerations including compatibility with a wheelchair locking system. See bracket lists on either EZ Lock - The World's First Choice for Quality Wheelchair Docking Systems or Q'Straint QLK Bracket List - Find Your Bracket (qstraint.com). Call for a free 15-minute consultation for further questions regarding driving from a wheelchair.

Many items can be found online such as mirrors, seatbelt extensions, a Handybar, or other driving accessories. However, we do not recommend online purchases for items that control the gas, brake, or steering. Equipment online does not necessarily meet industry safety standards. Additionally, proper installation and fitting are key to a successful adaptation.

Not only is it best practice, but we are also your advocate during the process.

Our staff is well versed in a wide variety of adaptive equipment options and can guide you through the process of choosing the best equipment to meet your needs.

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