Driving with an acquired brain injury

Fortunately, many people who have sustained a brain injury retain most of their previous driving abilities, and are able to return to driving soon afterwards. However, there are legal requirements which must be adhered to.

It is sensible to take precautions such as having a driving assessment, even if you feel that your driving skills remain intact. It should be remembered that a car is a potentially lethal weapon: many people with a brain injury were themselves injured in a road traffic collision.

It can be relatively straightforward to make adaptations to a vehicle in order to compensate for physical disabilities. However, the less obvious effects of brain injury – on thinking, memory, judgement, decision making and emotions – can be more difficult to overcome.

Ultimately, the decision on whether someone is safe to drive lies with the licensing authorities. 

Depending on the part of the brain involved and the severity of the injury, the symptoms of an ABI can vary significantly.  People who have suffered an ABI may present with changes affecting:

• Vision
• Speech and language
• Thinking skills
• Coordination
• Balance
• Posture
• Behaviour
• Strength, stamina and speed of movement.

We can assist in the following

• Being able to return to driving
• Returning to driving with tuition to rebuild confidence and refresh driving skills
• Returning to driving with an adapted vehicle
• Giving advice on coping with issues such as fatigue
• Making driving easier for you with driving aids, postural support or techniques
• Considering options for getting in and out of the vehicle
• If you are a wheelchair user, looking at various options such as ramps, hoists or wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).