Different Strokes Charity - Support for Working Age Stroke Survivors UK
Different Strokes Charity - Support for Working Age Stroke Survivors UK

Driving After Stroke

Written by Greg Hollingworth
Picture of someone learning to drive after a stroke

We asked members of our online support group what topics were most relevant to them and their recovery to have a monthly topic for the group to discuss. Thanks to our members who shared their input on this.

Previously we’ve focused on benefits and created a blog with some advice from shared experiences on PIP assessments, that you can view HERE

In February we talked about ‘Sex and Relationships” and we have a page on our website related to this that you can view HERE

The next most requested topic was about driving. I personally only learnt to drive after my stroke (and it took ages….) but I asked what everyone else’s experiences of driving after stroke were like. We do have a leaflet that we produced in our resources for youngers survivors but it’s valid for anyone and you can view this HERE

We also found the GOV.UK website was helpful. You can even report conditions online:

[Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) and driving]
www.gov.uk/stroke-and-driving

[Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke and driving]
www.gov.uk/transient-ischaemic-attacks-and-driving

Here is what our members shared about their experience of driving after stroke.

"Join the AA or RAC and tell them about your stroke, that way they can prioritise you if you break down."

"I have a Satnav to remind me where I'm going and then a prompt on my phone to remind me why I was going there - strategies like this make my life WAY simpler."

"I was frightened to drive again as felt my concentration levels where not great even though I’d been given the go ahead. I started with small local journeys and found my confidence came back quite quickly!"

"Two years after my stroke I took disability lessons and had two assessments, and was able to drive. Pretty confident still, drove to Cornwall and back. Two months later and my brain decided to throw epilepsy at me as well. But here I am nearly three years on from that, driving again. Very nervous this time but slowly gaining confidence. I was so lost without it."

"I really hope I Can get back into driving soon, as I’ve lost my independence! But still can’t use me left arm as it’s still paralysed"

"I can drive short distances on minor roads, in daylight, with someone else in the car. I have balance issues so when I get out of the car I can look drunk. I was once reported to the police for drink driving just because of the way I walked from the car. My advice would be stay within your comfort zone until you  feel ready to progress."

"I took a drivability assessment which was funded by the NHS through my Occupational Therapist. Until then I was awaiting GP authorisation to return to driving. I found this to be right for me as I wanted validation that I was safe to drive and clarification that I did indeed now need an automatic due to left leg issues. I was back on the road within 10 months.

"Make sure you have the adaptions you need to the vehicle you will drive. I had to get a spinner with indicators fitted to my steering wheel been driving safely for five years now but one thing to keep in mind your doctor must agree you are fit enough to drive!"

"Give yourself longer to take in and process the situation as if you were a newly passed driver again Slow and steady I put New Driver plates on my car and have kept them on for now,just sets an expectation I may be a bit slower than some other drivers would like, but hasn't caused me any negative issues apart from a few funny looks as a middle aged man getting into a car with P plates on it on occasion."

"I got my license back after a year....I manage short familiar journeys but I find the concentration difficult and tiring. I’m hoping to build on it when the better weather appears."

"I’m not able to drive...I can do the physical side , but functions such as multitasking and speed of processing info and neuro fatigue need to be much improved. The fatigue is too unpredictable to be safe behind the wheel."

" I tried to drive 2 year after my stroke but I wasn’t ready. I tried again 7 year after my stroke everything was completely different for me and a lot calmer."

As with everything related to stroke, the impact can be so diverse and it is no different when it comes to driving.
Some of us will return to driving with support and at a time that suits our own recovery and situation and for others driving may not be possible now or in the future.

Whatever your circumstances please know that you’re not alone and if you want to talk or ask questions of those who understand join our support group by clicking HERE or email us on info@differentstrokes.co.uk.

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