Driving after a stroke

After a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke):

• Car and motorbike drivers must not drive for a minimum of one calendar month.
• Bus and lorry drivers must stop driving for a minimum of one year.

Some people will be able to drive after the minimum period, but others will have to stop for longer. Some people will have to stop driving for good.

The laws about driving with medical conditions are to help keep everyone safe on the roads.

There are a variety of changes that may occur after having a stroke, and these can effect people in a in a variety of ways. 

Some common changes include:

• Physical effects – weakness or paralysis in arms, legs or both. This is often on one side of the body and cause difficulties with sensation, balance and/or co-ordination
• Vision changes – including double vision, blurring and/or visual field changes in one or both eyes
• Cognitive abilities – such as memory, understanding, concentration, spatial awareness and problem solving and having enough insight into these changes to be able to adapt to them
• Psychological impact – change in mood such as depression, anxiety, confidence, frustration

It is best to discuss any lasting changes with a doctor and/or occupational therapist in the first instance.  If any changes remain one month after a stroke these may impact on fitness to drive and it is, therefore, a legal requirement that the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) is informed https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving & https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/how-tell-dva-about-medical-condition.  

The DVLA/DVA may request the person attends a fitness to drive assessment at a local driving mobility centre where any potential difficulties with fitness to drive can be assessed by a team of specialist driving instructors and occupational therapists.