What To Know Before Driving After A Stroke

After a stroke, many people look forward to getting back to their normal routines. That often includes returning to driving. But a stroke can cause physical, cognitive and vision changes that affect how safely you can operate a vehicle — even if you feel ready to get behind the wheel.

“You can’t assume you’re cleared to drive after a stroke,” said Alyssa Blaski, MOT, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Franciscan Health Rehabilitation Services in Schererville, Ind. “Even if you feel ready and aren’t experiencing obvious symptoms, there could be subtle changes that affect your vision or memory that need to be evaluated before you drive.”

Driving after a stroke requires careful consideration with your doctor, but it is possible to get back behind the wheel with the right therapy and guidance. Blaski explains what to know about driving after you have had a stroke.

Key Takeaways: Driving After Stroke

• Returning to driving after a stroke requires careful evaluation.
• A professional driving evaluation can help determine whether you’re ready to return to driving.
• Rehabilitation can help you regain your ability to perform everyday activities, like driving, after a stroke.

Why You May Need A Driving Evaluation After A Stroke

A stroke is a type of brain injury. That means it can affect how your brain processes information and responds to the world around you.

Many stroke survivors develop changes in memory, judgment or problem-solving abilities. Vision changes can also happen, and certain medications can affect your alertness or reaction time.

These changes can influence important driving skills, including how well you:

• Judge distance and speed
• Navigate busy environments
• React to hazards
• Recognize road signs and signals

Because stroke survivors may not always notice these changes themselves, Blaski encourages people who have had a stroke to address the topic of driving with their doctor early in the recovery process.

“Until you’ve discussed it with your care team, it’s best not to assume you’re cleared to drive,” she said. “Even if you feel back to normal, it’s important to ask your doctor whether it’s safe.”

Your doctor may tell you that you can return to driving, that you should wait longer or that you should complete a driving evaluation first.

What To Expect From A Driving Evaluation

If your doctor recommends a driving evaluation for you, it’s important to follow through. These assessments are designed to protect not only you, but also others on the road.

Driving evaluations typically include two phases. The first is a clinical assessment with an occupational therapist who evaluates skills you need for driving, such as:

• Balance and awareness
• Cognitive abilities such as memory and attention
• Strength and movement
• Vision

“Any time you have an injury to the brain, it can create a slight hiccup in how the brain and eyes communicate,” Blaski said. “Even small changes can affect how you process what you see while you drive.”

The second phase of a driving evaluation is a behind-the-wheel assessment. It involves a driving test with a certified driving rehabilitation specialist using an adapted vehicle. The specialist evaluates your ability to drive safely in real-world situations. You must complete and pass both phases before you can start to drive again.

If the evaluation determines you’re not yet ready to drive, the specialist may recommend therapies or training to help improve the skills you need to drive safely.

The Emotional Impact Of Losing The Ability To Drive

Driving represents independence for many adults. When a stroke affects your ability to drive, it can feel like another loss during an already challenging recovery.

“It’s important to recognize that there’s an emotional effect,” Blaski said. “Because of the stroke, you may have already lost independence in other areas of your life. Losing the ability to drive can be very hard to grasp.”

If you’re struggling with this change, your care team can help connect you with resources. A therapist or social worker may be able to recommend counseling, stroke support groups or transportation services in your community.

Caregivers can play an important role in helping stroke survivors stay connected and active. But you shouldn’t shoulder responsibilities alone.

“If you’re a caregiver, consider asking family members or friends to help with rides from time to time,” Blaski said. “You can also check with insurance companies or community programs that provide transportation to medical appointments.”

Some rehabilitation centers even offer transportation services for patients who live nearby.

The Importance Of Honesty

If you’re recovering from a stroke and think you want to return to driving, honest communication with your care team is critical.

“You may think a subtle symptom doesn’t matter,” Blaski said. “But it’s important to talk about any changes you notice — even if no one else does.”

Share symptoms such as memory lapses, slower reaction times or changes in depth perception. Your care team can recommend therapies to support your recovery — and that can, ultimately, get you back behind the wheel.

“Our job is to help patients regain as much independence as possible,” Blaski said. “The best way we can do that is through open, honest communication.”

Find Personalized Care At Franciscan Health

Stroke recovery doesn’t stop when you leave the hospital. The stroke rehabilitation teams at Franciscan Health create personalized recovery plans to help patients regain strength, independence and confidence through services including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, talk with your care team about rehabilitation options. You can also request an appointment with a Franciscan Health rehabilitation specialist online or find a location near you to start your recovery journey.