Driver Test Station

Driver Test Station

A measuring tool for analysing a person’s physical driving ability.

Why a DTS?

Test a driver’s strength, flexibility, behaviour and reaction time in a safe and calm environment.

The DTS is not a simulator but a measuring tool for conducting qualified tests of a person’s physical driving ability. It is used for testing basic functions such as steering, acceleration and braking in order to ensure the driver is able to drive a vehicle safely.

Man sitting in a DTS with a woman beside him

Using the test report generated by the DTS, subsequent analysis can be based on objective facts. It will be easier to make an accurate evaluation of the type of adaptation and car model which will be suitable, and the person being tested can feel reassured that the results have been reached objectively. The report also provides support in the event of tough decisions which might otherwise be hard to justify without an objective basis. Even if some of the measured values are low, this does not necessarily mean that the person being tested is unfit to drive a car.

The challenge with vehicle adaptation lies in finding a way of enabling a person to drive despite their physical limitations. The DTS comes with several smart solutions, all of them designed to create a driver environment tailored to each driver’s needs and wishes.

It is important to bear in mind that the DTS does not provide any information as to whether the person being tested has the mental qualities required of a driver. Even if the physical requirements are met, we always recommend the driver practise driving with an expert driving instructor to ensure they are suitable to drive.

Testimonials

Analysis in three modules

Points are selected depending on the driver’s physical condition.

Implement the tests when conditions are right for the person to perform to their best. Remember that factors like meals, sleep and medicines can affect the test result both negatively and positively. Study the driver while the test is in progress to obtain more information than just the values presented in the report. Note, for instance, the driver’s movement in their arms and legs, as well as their ability to coordinate movements and take onboard instructions.

The overall test result will give a clear picture of what adaptation and car model will be suitable.

The person trained by Autoadapt on a DTS can carry out tests to assess a driver’s physical adaptation requirement. If the assessment includes a driver’s physical ability, knowledge in the field of therapy is also required.

Bear in mind that the DTS can never act as a substitute for a test in a real driving situation. Always make sure the driver will manage to drive a proper vehicle in a safe manner.

1. Power test

Measures the strength of the driver’s arms, legs, hands and feet.

This test includes six possible points where the driver’s ability to use physical strength when manoeuvring the steering wheel, controls and pedals can be measured. At these points, the driver must twist, push and pull with all his/her strength. This will clearly determine how much strength and mobility the driver has.

Illustration of a power test system screen

Illustration of a timer test system screen

2. Timer test

Measures the driver’s braking response time.

This test includes three possible points where the driver’s ability to brake using his/her hands and feet can be measured. At these points, the driver must accelerate up to a pre-determined value and then apply the brakes as quickly as possible. This will clearly determine the driver’s level of stability and endurance.

3. Reaction test

Measures the driver’s reaction time.

This test includes two possible points where the driver’s total reaction time can be measured. At these points, the driver must carry out the instructions that pop up randomly on the screen. This will clearly determine the driver’s capacity to perceive and process information.

Illustration of a reaction test system screen

Test report

A source of knowledge and understanding.

After the tests have been completed, a test report containing all the results is generated. This report is saved in two different formats.

As a PDF, which presents the report in a visually straightforward way and is suitable for printing on paper. The printed report is a valuable basis for analysis and assessment when adapting a vehicle for an individual. The alternative format, CSV, is suitable for importing information to different types of databases. This format is essential if your intention is to collect, manage and sort values.

Ready for use

Everything you need in one package.

Steering wheel

Height and resistance-adjustable allowing it to be adapted to each driver’s driving position and capacities. A correct driving position is a pre-requisite of a successful test.

Adapter

Steering wheel adapter for attachment of steering wheel spinner, which comes supplied. Choose from seven different models to optimise steering capacity at the wheel.

Close up of a hand control installed on a steering wheel

Hand controls

Wheel and floor-mounted accelerator and brake controls. These are designed to give as realistic a driving experience as possible.

Pedals

Right and left accelerator pedals, and one brake pedal. Studying the flexibility of the driver’s feet and legs provides information as to whether there needs to be some level adjustment or whether hand controls would be a better option.

Stand

Stand for the operator’s computer and the wheel spinners, which come supplied. The positioning of the computer gives the operator a good view of the driver. Studying the driver while the test is in progress provides important information about their overall driving ability.

6-Way Base

A 6-way base which adjusts the car seat height and reach, and swivels out, making it easier to transfer to and from a wheelchair. The transfer itself actually provides valuable information as to what type of adaptation and car model is suitable. The car seat has adjustable back, neck and armrests. To perform to their best during the test, the driver has to be sitting comfortably. The 6-way base is easy to roll out of the way if the driver wants to do the test from their own wheelchair.

Wheelchair anchoring system

Floor-mounted attachments for anchoring the driver’s wheelchair when the 6-Way Base is not used. It is important for the driver to be seated in a stable and safe position during the tests.

Wheels

Three retractable wheels for quick and easy removal indoors. Once the wheels are retracted the DTS is provided with a very stable and safe base.

Armrests

Armrests which counteract static loads on the arms. Test both with and without an armrest to determine what the driver needs.

Screen

A 22” screen which provides the driver with a good overview and feel for the various tests. Specially adapted for those tests which require a degree of peripheral vision.

Germany

Felitec Fahrzeugtechnik

Since 2010, Felitec has been using the Driver Test Station to measure drivers’ strength and reaction times. Thus, as a measurement tool, the DTS has become an integral part of vehicle adaptation. Nowadays, driving licence inspectors, doctors and driving schools in Felitec’s region are demanding that this test be conducted as a necessary basis for decision-making when assessing a person’s driving ability.

Throughout Germany, licensing authorities and parties responsible for adaptation costs are using the test report as a basis for decision-making. To determine the basic data for strength and reaction times, a research project was conducted at the institute of technology in Essen where participants were divided into groups according to driving ability and age.

Felix Liehr
CEO & Owner, Felitec GmbH

United Kingdom

East Anglian DriveAbility

I assess driving ability for people with physical and/or cognitive disabilites. I use the DTS daily and find it most useful for assessing clients’ reaction times, range of movement in upper limbs for steering and also for demonstrating some of the adaptations that are available to people. It is easy to use and a really valuable screening tool for our practical and on road driving assessments which provides us and the clients with instant feedback.

Yvette Bateman
Senior Occupational Therapist, East Anglian DriveAbility

Sweden

Bilinredarna i Växjö

We are proud to be able to offer one of the best tools on the market for evaluating a driver’s abilities and optimising the requirements for a fully customised car. By measuring the driver’s ability to apply force, move their arms and legs and react quickly, we will have a considerably improved and more reliable basis on which to plan a car adaptation or a driving licence case. The evaluation is based on fact and the person tested can rest assured that the test is performed in an objective manner.

Lars-Åke Johansson
Owner & CEO, Bilinredarna i Växjö AB
Board member of the Swedish Association of Vehicle Adaptation

Australia

Mobility Engineering

I think the DTS is a very important tool to make correct judgments before an adaptation. The rig gives you and the end user valuable information about both the choice of adaptation and which car type that is most suitable.

Morry Akbarian
Owner & CEO, Mobility Engineering

Denmark

Autohuset Vestergaard

At Autohuset Vestergaard A/S, Handicap og Buscenter, we rely on DTS to let us service our customers with accurate measurements for car adaptions. We offer and sell this service to a large number of local authorities in Denmark, authorities that want to make sure their citizens have the appropriate help when concerning servo steering, break and reaction while driving. The DTS is operated by our occupational therapist, and the test is always followed by a result report. We have only had positive reactions and feedback since implementing this equipment in 2010.

Dorte Falkenberg
Occupational Therapist, Autohuset Vestergaard A/S

Japan

Office Shimizu

Car adaptation is not common in Japan and therefore not many people realize they can drive with reduced or limited mobility. The DTS is the door opener for those who think they never can drive a car again.

Kazuki Kori
DTS technical trainer, Office Shimizu

Dimensions

Length	1760 mm
Width	790 mm
Height	1350 mm

Weight

Unit weight

165 kg

On delivery, you will find everything you need to launch and implement the various tests.

Note! The operator’s computer is not included in the package.

Moving the DTS indoors is a smooth and easy operation. When moving the station through narrow doorways, the stand for laptop and steering wheel spinners can be removed temporarily.

Included

Driver Test Station, equipped with:
- hand controls, Carospeed
- 6-Way Base
- car seat, Compact seat
- two accelerator pedals and one brake pedal
- wheelchair anchoring brackets, 2 pcs
- stand for laptop and steering wheel spinners
- steering wheel spinners, 7 pcs
- steering wheel with adapter for spinner
- screen, 22” widescreen
Wheels for outdoor transportation, 2 pcs
USB with software program
User manual
Calibration tool

Pedal extenders can be ordered as an option.

The DTS is delivered with software on a USB memory stick. For current system requirements, including supported Windows versions, please refer to the user manual or contact our Customer Support Centre.

Dealers can log in to download the software.