[Interactive driving simulation--a new approach to diagnosis and rehabilitation of driving skills]

Until recently, major methodological problems were faced in the assessment and rehabilitation of driving ability in neurological patients, concerning practical driving lessons and driving tests as well as neuropsychological tests and therapies. The use of highly-advanced driving simulators may solve parts of this problem. However, a basic requirement for effective rehabilitation is the patients' acceptance of this method. In a semi-standardized interview with 56 patients we found that the driving simulator recently installed in the Neurological Rehabilitation Centre "Godeshöhe" was rated mainly positively. Also, patients experienced the simulator to be motivating, effective and informative. Hence, a very important prerequisite for successful use of driving simulators in neurological rehabilitation is given.