Driving after a stroke

What is the immediate legal requirement after a stroke or TIA?

If you’ve had a stroke or TIA, you must stop driving straightaway.

For car and motorcycle licence holders (Group 1), the law requires you to stop driving for at least one month. This is a minimum period to allow for initial recovery and assessment.

Be aware that a stroke is a reportable medical condition, so you need to notify the DVLA. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000, prosecution, and your car insurance being invalidated.

How long after a stroke can you drive in the UK?

In most cases, you might be able to return to driving after one calendar month, although only if:

• You’ve made a full recovery
• You have no lasting symptoms that could affect your driving
• A doctor confirms it’s safe for you to drive

If you still have symptoms - such as weakness, vision problems, or issues with memory or coordination - you won’t be able to drive until these have been properly assessed.

Who decides if you can drive again after a stroke?

While your doctor plays an important role, the final decision rests with the DVLA.

The DVLA will review:

• Medical reports from your GP or specialist
• Details about your recovery and any ongoing symptoms
• Results from any driving or mobility assessments

Based on this, it will decide whether you can:

• Resume driving
• Drive with restrictions.

Otherwise, you might need to stop driving for longer.

When do I have to notify the DVLA about my stroke?

You must inform the DVLA straight away immediately if:

• You hold a bus or lorry (Group 2) licence
• You still have symptoms (e.g. vision or memory problems or weakness) after the initial one-month period

If your symptoms have fully resolved within a month and you meet the criteria to return to driving, you might not need to notify the DVLA. That said, it’s always best to check official guidance if you’re unsure.

You can inform the DVLA of your stroke at GOV.UK.

What happens during a driving assessment after a stroke?

If further checks are needed, you may be referred to a Driving Mobility centre for an assessment.

This typically involves:

• Off-road tests to assess cognitive function, reaction times and decision-making
• On-road driving assessment to evaluate your ability behind the wheel

Assessments are often carried out by a specialist team, which could include an occupational therapist and a driving assessor.

The aim is to make sure you can drive safely and confidently before returning to the road.

What if the stroke requires vehicle adaptations?

Some people may need vehicle adaptations after a stroke, particularly if they experience physical weakness or reduced mobility.

Adaptations can include:

• Hand controls
• Steering aids
• A left-foot accelerator.

If you need adaptations, you must inform the DVLA. After a successful assessment, you may be issued a restricted licence that reflects your needs.

How might a stroke affect my car insurance policy?

If you’ve had a stroke, you need to inform your car insurance provider. This is the case even if your doctor says you're OK to drive.

Insurers expect you to disclose any medical condition that could affect your driving. If you don’t, your policy could be invalidated. This also means any claims you make could be refused.

In most cases, once the DVLA confirms you’re fit to drive again, you should still be able to get insurance - although your premium may change depending on your circumstances.

Taking the right steps can help you get back on the road with confidence and stay properly covered.

If you're an older driver, you can find out more useful information, advice and tips at our senior driving hub.