Life After Stroke: Learning to Drive Again

Sadly, many people consider driving a "right of passage" into adulthood. Yet others believe that their "independence" is jeopardized by their inability to drive. Many stroke survivors firmly believe their ability to drive remains untouched by stroke. You may have been driving for years before having a stroke, but an assessment of your ability to drive again post-stroke must be determined by several agencies. After a stroke, driving can be an extremely difficult and hazardous task. Your vision may be permanently affected. Your reaction time may be severely hampered and your dexterity in operating a vehicle may be curtailed.

While families fret and stroke survivors profess their unfailing capability to get behind the wheel post-stroke, there is an answer to this burning question. Stop! Ask questions of your physician, your auto insurance company, and your State Drivers License Bureau. Assess your driving ability for all concerned. Remember, driving is a privilege not a right.  

In order to operate a motor vehicle, all drivers must be able to react quickly and be aware of traffic, road conditions, road signs, and potential hazards that may occur on the right, left, behind and in front of their vehicle. Drivers must be able to make split-second decisions, too. Drivers must be able to pass a vision test that includes accurate peripheral vision as well. Drivers must be able to have depth perception in order to parallel park or know how close objects are to their vehicle. Drivers must be able to follow directions, observe signals, and at the same time use their eyes, ears, hands, and feet simultaneously. Drivers must be alert at all times. All, or any, of these tasks may be difficult to perform after a stroke.

Some stroke survivors may be able to adapt to learning new ways of safely operating a motor vehicle. If your goal is to drive post-stroke here are some requirements that must be followed:

1. Request permission from your physician to take a certified drivers assessment test. Your neurologist (and/or attending physician) must be informed, agree, and assist with your goal of driving post-stroke.
2. A driver's assessment test, like the one offered through The Courage Center, checks your reaction time, visual acuity, and depth perception and then provides a "behind the wheel" drivers analysis. Check with your local Stroke Support Group for other driving programs that may be available in your area.
3. Make sure your vehicle is equipped for your particular needs.
4. Make sure your auto insurance company has a copy of your passed and approved Drivers Assessment Program certificate. Your auto insurance company may insist on a re-training program before you get behind the wheel post-stroke.

After passing an approved driving assessment program and your state's driver's licensing requirements, you may have restrictions on your driver's license. State driver's licensing bureaus can, and do, impose restrictions such as corrective lens and, in some cases, may restrict a driver from operating a motor vehicle at night or during certain hours of the day when traffic is heavy.