Disability Driving Instructors

Following a stroke or TIA you must not drive for one month.

You may resume driving after this period if the clinical recovery is satisfactory. After multiple TIA’s over a short period of time you will need to wait three months from the last attack before resuming driving. 

 Following this period of time a driving assessment may be recommended before resuming driving.

You do not need to tell DVLA if you have only had a single TIA. If you have had a stroke you need to tell them if you have suffered any complications listed below – notification is not required if none of these apply.

By law you must tell DVLA if any of the following apply –

• If, one month after the stroke, you are still suffering from weakness of the arms or legs (that affects physical operation of the standard controls of a manual transmission vehicle), or you have problems with co-ordination, with memory or with understanding or if you have difficulties with visual disturbance (visual field deficit, visual inattention/neglect or double vision).
• You have had a seizure of any kind, other than within the 24 hours after the stroke.
• You needed brain surgery as part of the treatment for the stroke.
• You have had more than one stroke (or TIA) within the past three months.
• Your doctors have said they are concerned about your ability to drive safely.
• You hold a current Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) (Gp 2) driving licence.

If you are unsure whether any of these apply, discuss the matter with your doctor before resuming driving. A Driving Mobility Assessment may be advised to confirm driving ability post stroke, your doctor can refer you for an assessment or you can self refer.

It is the driver’s responsibility to inform the DVLA. Failure to do so is a criminal offence that could result in a fine of up to £1000, may result in a prosecution if you are involved in an accident as a result and could invalidate your insurance.

Disability of your arms or legs after a stroke may not necessarily prevent you from driving. You may be able to overcome driving difficulties by using a vehicle with automatic transmission, with a modified accelerator, brake and/or modified steering; modifications to indicators, wipers, horn and headlamp dip/flash may also be required. A driving assessment and tuition are advised if any of these are required.

If there are any restrictions on the types of vehicle you can drive (e.g. if automatic transmission is required) or if any modified controls are necessary, these must be declared to DVLA and they will then be added as restriction codes on your driving licence.

Further advice regarding vehicle modifications and driving assessment/tuition can be provided by your local  Driving Mobility Assessment Centre  / 0800 559 3636.

In the interest of road safety you must be sure that you can safely control a motor vehicle at all times.

How to tell DVLA:

If your doctor tells you to report your condition to DVLA, you must fill in the appropriate medical questionnaire.

Questionnaires are available to download at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/str1-online-confidential-medical-information

Or contact them by:

Phone: 0300 790 6806

Webchat: https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/drivers-medical 

email: https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/driver/capture_transaction_type?transaction_type_id=drivers_medical 

Or write to: Drivers Medical Group DVLA Swansea SA99 1TU

Information regarding the legal requirements for notification to DVLA can be confirmed at the following site: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1883-car-or-motorcycle-drivers-who-have-had-a-stroke-or-transient-ischaemic-attack-tia

Updated 18.02.2022