Navigating the Virginia DMV Medical Review Process: A Comprehensive Guide for Drivers

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For many of us, a driver’s license represents more than just transportation — it represents independence, freedom, and connection to our community.

However, when a medical condition such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, limb loss, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, or dementia arises, your driving ability may be questioned. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a specialized Medical Review Process to ensure drivers can continue operating a vehicle safely.

If you’ve received a letter from the DMV — or want to understand the process before it happens — this guide will help you navigate the Virginia DMV Medical Review system with confidence.

How the Virginia Medical Review Process Begins

The process begins when the DMV receives a report indicating that a driver may be unsafe due to a medical condition. Reports can be submitted by:

  • Physicians

  • Optometrists or ophthalmologists

  • Law enforcement officers

  • Family members (if the concern is deemed credible)

  • Driver Rehabilitation Specialists

If the report is considered credible, the driver will receive an official letter titled “Order of Suspension.”

This letter means:

  • The DMV has received medical information regarding your driving ability.

  • Your driving privileges may be suspended.

  • You are required to undergo further evaluation.

  • You may be eligible for a restricted license to complete the evaluation process.

Receiving this letter can feel overwhelming — but it is important to know that this process is designed to ensure safety while allowing drivers every opportunity to demonstrate capability.

The Role of a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)

In many cases, the DMV requires an evaluation by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS).

At Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence (DRCE), our role is to support and advocate for you throughout this process.

An evaluation typically includes:

Clinical Assessment

  • Vision screening

  • Cognitive testing

  • Reaction time assessment

  • Strength and range of motion testing

Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation

  • Real-world driving performance

  • Traffic navigation

  • Hazard recognition

  • Safe decision-making

Adaptive Equipment Assessment & Training

If needed, we evaluate and train drivers on equipment such as:

  • Hand controls

  • Spinner knobs

  • Left-foot accelerators

  • Other vehicle modifications

After the evaluation, a detailed report is submitted to the DMV with professional recommendations.

Understanding the 3W Restricted License (Restriction 9)

If you receive an Order of Suspension, you cannot legally drive unless authorized by the DMV.

To participate in a behind-the-wheel evaluation, you must obtain a 3W Restricted License.

What Is the 3W License?

The 3W license allows you to drive only for the purpose of driver rehabilitation assessment or training under professional supervision. It is not valid for independent driving.

How to Obtain a 3W Restricted License

  1. Contact a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist and become an enrolled client.

  2. The rehabilitation program sends an enrollment letter to the DMV.

  3. The DMV processes the enrollment and sends you an Enrollment Verification Letter.

  4. You must take that letter to your local DMV office to obtain your 3W restricted license (Restriction 9).

This step is critical — without the 3W restriction, you may not legally complete a road evaluation.

Possible Outcomes of the Medical Review

After your assessment, the CDRS submits a professional report to the DMV. While the specialist provides recommendations, the DMV is the final decision-maker and may occasionally request additional information.

Common outcomes include:

Full Approval

You are cleared to drive without additional restrictions.

Periodic Medical Review

You may continue driving but must submit updated medical documentation every 6, 12, or 24 months.

Permanent License Restrictions

Examples include:

  • Daylight-only driving

  • Geographic limitations

  • Required adaptive equipment

Additional DMV Testing

The DMV may require you to complete:

  • A written knowledge test

  • A DMV-administered road test

Each case is unique and evaluated individually.

Pro Tip: Pay Close Attention to Deadlines

The Virginia DMV is strict about timelines.

If you complete your evaluation and the CDRS submits a favorable report before your suspension date, the DMV may lift the suspension without interruption.

However, if paperwork processing is delayed, your driving privileges may be temporarily suspended while the review is finalized.

Acting quickly can make a significant difference.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Facing a DMV medical review can feel stressful and uncertain — but you are not alone.

At Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, we guide individuals through:

  • The 3W enrollment process

  • Comprehensive driver evaluations

  • Adaptive equipment assessments

  • Communication with the DMV

Our goal is to help you return to safe, confident driving whenever possible.

Have questions about the Virginia DMV Medical Review Process?

Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate the 3W process and work toward getting back on the road safely.

Medical Review & Driving Concerns in Ohio: What Drivers and Families Need to Know

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Ohio BMV Medical Review Process: Driving & Medical Concerns

If you or a loved one in Ohio has a medical condition and concerns have been raised about driving safety, you are not alone—and you are not without options. Many drivers face questions about their ability to drive safely due to conditions such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, vision changes, or other health-related challenges.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has a medical review process used to determine whether a driver can continue driving safely. While there is a formal structure to this process, it does not always unfold in a predictable or linear way, which can make it stressful for drivers and families. Support is available.

Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence in Westerville, Ohio are experienced in helping drivers and families understand the process, interpret BMV requests, and make informed decisions moving forward.

How the Ohio Medical Review Process Begins

A medical review may begin when the Ohio BMV receives information suggesting a driver may be unsafe due to a medical condition. This concern can come from several sources, including:

  • A law enforcement officer

  • A physician or other healthcare provider

  • A court

  • A family member or caregiver

If the BMV determines that a review is appropriate, the driver will receive an official letter requesting medical information.

Receiving a BMV Medical Review Letter

The BMV letter typically requests completion of BMV Form 2310 – Statement of Physician. This form must be completed by a licensed medical professional and helps the BMV understand:

  • The driver’s medical condition

  • How the condition may affect driving

  • Whether the driver may be able to drive safely, with or without restrictions

Deadlines matter. If the requested medical documentation is not submitted by the specified date, the BMV may move forward with a license suspension.

In some cases, the BMV may allow additional time to submit required documentation, depending on the circumstances. However, extensions are not guaranteed, and the BMV will ultimately make a determination based on the information received.

This is often when drivers and families reach out to a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist for guidance and support.

How a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Can Help

A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) is trained to evaluate how medical, physical, cognitive, or visual conditions impact driving. At DRCE’s Westerville, Ohio location, our Driver Rehabilitation Specialists can:

  • Help you understand BMV letters and requests

  • Explain what medical or functional information may be needed

  • Provide comprehensive clinical driving evaluations

  • Offer behind-the-wheel assessments when appropriate

  • Recommend adaptive equipment or training, if needed

  • Support safe driving decisions—whether that means continued driving, driving with restrictions, or planning for alternative transportation

Our role is not to make licensing decisions or override the BMV, but to support drivers and families through the process and provide clear, professional recommendations.

Learn More Here

Possible Outcomes After Medical Review

After reviewing medical information, the BMV may determine that:

  • No change to the driver’s license is needed

  • The driver may continue driving with medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses or other limitations)

  • Additional testing is required, such as vision screening or a driving skills test

  • The driver’s license should be suspended if safe driving cannot be supported

Each case is reviewed individually, and the Ohio BMV remains the final licensing authority.

Medical Restrictions and Limited Driving Privileges

Ohio commonly uses medical restrictions rather than issuing a separate “temporary license.” When appropriate, the BMV may issue:

  • A standard Ohio driver’s license with restrictions

  • A medical restriction card outlining specific driving limitations

In certain situations, limited or conditional driving privileges may be considered, depending on medical information and BMV discretion. These situations are case-specific and time-limited, and not all drivers will qualify.

Restrictions are intended to balance safety with independence whenever possible.

Driver Skills Testing and Re-Examinations

Some drivers may be required to complete additional testing, which can include:

  • Vision screening

  • Written knowledge testing

  • Behind-the-wheel driving tests

Driver Rehabilitation Specialists can help drivers prepare for these steps, understand expectations, and interpret results within the broader context of medical fitness to drive.

If a License Is Suspended

If required medical documentation is not submitted, or if the BMV determines that the driver does not meet medical qualifications, the license may be suspended.

While this can feel discouraging, a suspension does not always mean driving is permanently prohibited. In some cases, further medical treatment, follow-up evaluations, or reassessment may help clarify future options.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Facing questions about driving can be emotional—for drivers and families alike. At Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence in Westerville, Ohio, our Driver Rehabilitation Specialists are here to:

  • Answer questions

  • Reduce confusion and stress

  • Provide expert, compassionate guidance

  • Help drivers make informed, safety-focused decisions

Whether you are responding to a BMV letter, noticing changes in driving ability, or simply want clarity, our Westerville team is available to help guide you through the process.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you or a loved one is navigating medical driving concerns in Ohio, contact Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence – Westerville, OH to learn how a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist can support you every step of the way.

BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica driving down country road

Funding Options for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs): What You Need to Know

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Funding Options for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs): What You Need to Know

Making Mobility Possible with DRCE Mobility Solutions

Finding the right wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) can be life-changing — it’s more than just transportation; it’s independence, opportunity, and freedom. But we also know the cost of purchasing or converting a vehicle can feel overwhelming.

The good news? You have funding options. Whether you’re looking for a side-entry minivan or a rear-entry SUV, DRCE Mobility Solutions helps clients every day explore programs, benefits, and resources that can offset or even cover the cost of accessible transportation.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

If you’re working or planning to return to work, your state’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency may help fund driver evaluations, training, adaptive equipment, and sometimes the vehicle itself.

We work closely with:

These agencies help individuals achieve or maintain employment by supporting necessary mobility adaptations.

VA Benefits for Service-Connected Veterans

Veterans with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for VA funding assistance through several programs, including:

  • VA Form 4502 — Automobile Allowance Grant: A one-time vehicle grant for qualifying service-connected disabilities.

  • VA Form 1394 — Adaptive Equipment Grant: Covers adaptive driving equipment, vehicle conversions, and approved repairs or replacements.

  • VR&E (Chapter 31) and VHA Prosthetics Programs: May cover evaluations, driver training, and adaptive modifications needed for employment or independence.

Our team collaborates directly with VA Prosthetics and VR&E counselors to ensure all paperwork and documentation are ready to move your funding request forward.

Medicaid Waivers & State Assistive Technology Programs

Some states allow Medicaid waivers or Assistive Technology (AT) programs to fund adaptive equipment or accessible vehicles.
 Examples include:

These programs often pair well with VR or VA funding to fill any financial gaps.

Nonprofit & Grant Resources

There are dozens of nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations offering WAV funding assistance, such as:

Each program has unique eligibility requirements, but our team can help you identify and apply to those that fit your needs.

Manufacturer Rebates & Dealer Support

Many mobility manufacturers offer rebates and discount programs for first-time WAV buyers, veterans, and nonprofit clients.

For example:

  • BraunAbility is a great resource for Wheelchair Van Grants and Funding options.

Dealers may also provide flexible financing or leasing options to help make mobility more affordable.

Crowdfunding & Community Fundraising

Sometimes, the most powerful funding source comes from your own network.

Platforms like Help Hope Live and GoFundMe can bridge the final gap by allowing friends, family, and community members to support your journey to independence.

When combined with grants or state funding, crowdfunding can make full WAV ownership a reality.

Bringing It All Together

At Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence (DRCE), our mission is to help you achieve independence on the road and beyond. We guide clients through the process — from clinical driver evaluations and adaptive equipment recommendations to coordinating with funding agencies, VA programs, and dealer partners.

 Ready to explore your options?
 Call us at (703) 345-2990 to schedule your free WAV funding consultation.
 No pressure — just real help navigating your path to mobility freedom.

Knowledge is power. Mobility is freedom. Let’s make both accessible.

Steering Safely Through the Golden Years: How Driving Rehabilitation Empowers Older Drivers

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Maintaining the freedom to drive is about more than mobility—it’s about independence, dignity, and staying connected. But as we age, changes in vision, cognition, and physical ability can impact how safely we drive. That’s where Driver Rehabilitation steps in: not as a signal to give up the keys, but a bridge to stay behind the wheel—safely.

The Road Ahead: Why the Risk May Rise with Age

  • Larger numbers, greater impact: In 2022, there were over 51 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the U.S.—a 43% increase from 2012.

  • Daily toll: Every day, around 25 older adults are killed, and over 740 are injured in crashes.

  • Fatalities climbing: In 2022, among traffic fatalities, 7,971 were aged 65+, marking 19% of all deaths.

  • Crash rates per mile: Risks per mile climbed significantly starting at age 70–74 and are highest for those 85+.

These stats underscore the importance of focusing on capability—not just age—when evaluating driving safety.

Driving Rehab: A Wheel That Turns Support, Not Takeaways

Unlike age-based restrictions, driving rehabilitation is individualized, compassionate, and rooted in performance.

What Is It?

A specialized service—typically led by an Occupational Therapist who’s also a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (OT/CDRS)—that provides:

  • Clinical assessments: Vision, cognition, reaction time, strength, and range of motion

  • Behind-the-wheel evaluation: Personalized driver training services tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you can operate your vehicle safely and confidently

How It Helps:

  • Pinpoints limitations and strengths

  • Offers adaptive solutions, like steering/brake modifications

  • Builds confidence through hands-on training

  • Generates objective data for families and healthcare providers

Benefits in the Driver’s Seat

Advantage What It Means
Safety-first Tailored interventions help keep you safe—not sidelined
Personalized independence Recommendations are customized to your life (errands, social, medical needs)
Emotional ease A professional, structured evaluation eases emotionally charged discussions
Clarity & Action Objective results help guide decisions—whether to adapt, limit, or retire driving

Averting Crisis: Planning Matters

A timely article in MarketWatch highlights that older adults often live 7–10 years longer than they can drive safely, making early planning a must—not a reaction to a crisis MarketWatch.

Plan Ahead:

  • Establish a “driving retirement” plan early (think “advance care directive” for driving)

  • Discuss triggers and protocols with loved ones and your physician

  • Consider refresher driving courses or rehab evaluations showing proactive care

  • Explore transportation alternatives—public transit, ride-hailing, community shuttles—to stay connected.

Putting It All Together

Driving rehabilitation offers a balanced approach—honoring independence while prioritizing safety. Supported by measurable assessments and tailored interventions, this rehab process bridges aging with empowerment. If you or a loved one faces driving concerns, contact an OT/CDRS at a reputable Driver Rehabilitation Program to begin a journey toward safer, confident driving.

Redefining Possibility: DRCE Builds Custom Wheelchair Lift for Harley Trike

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When a rider asked if we could build a wheelchair lift for her Harley trike, the answer was “not yet.” So we designed one from scratch. Meet Laurie, see the custom solution, and witness innovation in motion.

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Exploring Alternatives to Wheelchair Accessible Vans

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Alternatives to Wheelchair Accessible Vans
Looking for transportation solutions beyond wheelchair accessible vans? There are many alternatives that can provide independence and flexibility, including wheelchair lifts, mobility scooters, adaptive driving controls, public transportation, and specialized transport services. Whether it’s medical transport, personal assistance, or rental options, finding the right solution depends on your mobility needs and budget.

Explore your options and discover how you can stay mobile without the need for a fully converted van. Learn more today!

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Worried About A Loved One’s Safety Behind the Wheel?

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Statistically, older drivers with a medical condition, medication usage, or change in physical function are at an increased risk of accident or injury while driving.

However, because driving offers independence, conversations with older adults about their driving safety can be emotionally charged and difficult.

To mitigate this, we offer a holistic approach to assessing older driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. In giving a recommendation, we take into consideration the driver’s lifestyle, work, leisure, family obligations, and community transportation needs.

The decision to recommend that an older driver retire from driving is never given lightly, and it always depends on the individual circumstances of every case and client.

At DRCE we offer a fully comprehensive driving evaluation done by an Occupational Therapy Practitioner who is a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. Through our evaluation process and our OT/CDRS’ extensive expertise, we offer objective data points to help explain our recommendations to older drivers, whether that be to continue, reduce, or cease driving.

BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica driving down country road

Towing with Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

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Choosing the right Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) involves many factors, including interior space, ramp type, and ground clearance. But one key question many ask is: Can I tow with this? Whether you’re exploring towing options before purchasing or checking your current vehicle’s capabilities, this guide has you covered.

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Man in manual wheelchair holding a basketball sitting next to BraunAbility Chevy Traverse with the ramp door open

Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle? You MUST Know This First!

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If you’re considering a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), it’s crucial to make an informed decision. There are many aspects to consider prior to purchase, including your needs, safety, compatibility of auto adaptive equipment, cost, and maintenance. Our team specializes in vehicle consultations to match your ability and lifestyle, ensuring you make the best choice for you.

Understanding Your Needs: Everyone is looking for a vehicle for different reasons. Some are simply looking for a way to get to the grocery store, some commute to work, and others are looking for a vehicle that’s perfect for roadtrips with their family. Other factors such as cargo space, interior space, carrying capacity (did you know wheelchair accessible vehicles can have a lower weight carrying capacity?), ramp width and height, ramp angle, and features of the vehicle can greatly impact the functionality of a vehicle. Identifying your unique wants and needs is the first step in choosing the right vehicle for you. During our consultations, we focus on your specific requirements, from wheelchair compatibility to daily usage, to ensure that your vehicle choice is perfectly tailored to you.

Safety and Comfort: Safety is paramount in any vehicle choice. When vehicles are converted to be wheelchair accessible, many structural modifications must be made. All modifiers claim to have a safe product, but they’re not all apples to apples. Determining whether a vehicle is “safe” is a very complicated judgement call. The best resource to aid in evaluating the safety of a conversion is NMEDA’s (National Mobility Equipment Dealer’s Association) Compliance Review Program. In NMEDA’s words:

“To ensure consumer and public safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada (TC) issues specific safety regulations that all motor vehicle and mobility manufacturers must follow in their respective countries. Although mobility manufacturers are required to abide by these Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (F/CMVSS), as a consumer it is difficult to identify which mobility manufacturers have actually tested their products to validate they are in compliance. To address this issue and help consumers make valued buying decisions, NMEDA has developed the Compliance Review Program (CRP).”

The Compliance Review Program can be found here: https://nmeda.org/qap/compliance-review-program/

Additionally, our experts at DRCE can guide you through selecting a vehicle that meets federal and state safety standards while ensuring your comfort. Let us help you find a balance between safety features and personal comfort.

Compatibility of Auto Adaptive Equipment: We’ve seen it happen; you’ve just purchased the perfect vehicle only to find out that the adaptive equipment prescribed to you is not compatible with the aforementioned perfect vehicle. Unfortunately, there is little we can do when it comes to compatibility issues between the equipment you need and your vehicle. We always recommend contacting your Mobility Dealer directly for compatibility advice prior to purchasing any vehicle.

Don’t have a Mobility Dealer? You can find one in your area by using NMEDA’s Dealer Locator: https://nmeda.org/consumer-resources/dealer-locator/

Cost and Financing: Admittedly, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles can be cost prohibitive. Understanding the financial aspect of purchasing an adaptive vehicle is crucial. In addition to the cost of the vehicle, there are other costs that must be considered, such as Evaluation/Training costs for an individual that is interested in driving their WAV. Cost of adaptive equipment can vary greatly and should also be considered. Furthermore, insurance costs can be higher than a typical vehicle because of the value of the conversion and equipment being added to the vehicle. DRCE works with various non-profits, state vocational rehab programs, and the Department of Veteran Affairs to assist eligible consumers with the costs associated with driving or owning a WAV. Our team can assist you in exploring financing and funding options and identifying potential aids to make the process smoother and more affordable.

Maintenance and Service: The long-term care of your vehicle is crucial for its longevity, and as such it’s important to understand the maintenance requirements for your WAV and equipment. We recommend having yearly maintenance performed on your WAV and equipment to make sure it stays happy and healthy. WAV maintenance includes verifying proper functionality of the conversion, lubricating pivot points and bushings, checking fasteners, and performing software updates to the conversion as available. Equipment maintenance varies by equipment type, but is typically performed at the same time as conversion maintenance and is often included in the cost. Always request a receipt of the maintenance and recommended repairs for your records, and ensure that any safety related concerns are addressed before you continue down the road.

Choosing the right wheelchair-accessible vehicle is a significant step towards independence. With the Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence’s consultation and case management services, you can be confident in finding a vehicle that perfectly suits your lifestyle and abilities. Contact us for a personalized consultation and take the first step towards your ideal mobility solution.

Blink and You’d Miss Them! Installation Highlight: Sure Grip Featherlite Push/Rock with Brake Lock and A Spinner Knob

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Our very own Julie Henry purchased a new 2023 Hyundai Tucson and got hand controls installed here at DRCE. Julie’s controls are a Sure Grip Featherlite right side push/rock with brake lock and a spinner knob.

 

Often, new clients worry that installing auto adaptive equipment into a vehicle will prevent traditional drivers from operating the vehicle and for that reason they hesitate to start the process of gaining independence through driving with auto adaptive equipment. However, most equipment doesn’t prevent traditional driving at all. Furthermore, as is the case with Julie’s vehicle and countless other DRCE installations, the controls don’t obscure OEM gas, brake and steering functions.

Driver’s side view.

Beneath the steering wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blink and you’d miss them!
Julie’s controls fit in her vehicle so seamlessly that, upon first glance, you hardly notice them

New clients also worry that auto adaptive equipment will alter the look of their vehicles. Julie’s installation is a perfect example of how seamlessly hand controls can fit in a vehicle with the right fit and team to install them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clients who have driven with auto adaptive equipment for a while, like Julie, often worry that their new vehicles won’t be compatible with the same controls that they are more comfortable with and enjoy using. However, even when some manufacturers don’t have an installation kit that’s compatible with a vehicle, DRCE is able to create custom fabrications that allow clients to keep using the equipment they love.

 

 

This installation was done with Julie’s specific needs in mind. In Julie’s case, she’s been driving with the Sure Grip Featherlite Push/Rock hand control, the one that she states she “immediately fell in love with,” since she first began driving in 2017. However, Sure Grip didn’t have brackets that were compatible for installing Julie’s favored control into her new 2023 Hyundai Tucson. DRCE’s solution to this was to fabricate custom brackets, ensuring that Julie got to keep the controls that best fit her needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All DRCE clients have unique wants and needs for their own equipment, and DRCE’s installation process reflects that. Whether you’re starting the process of getting equipment for the very first time, or if you’re already an equipment driver looking to get a new vehicle, contact us today to see how DRCE can help.