Driving following a stroke

Group 1 entitlement:

• single TIA
  • no need to notify DVLA
  • must not drive for 1 month
    
    
• multiple transient ischaemic attack
  • must not drive and must notify the DVLA
  • multiple TIAs over a short period will require no driving for 3 months
  • ddriving may resume after 3 months if there have been no further TIAs
    
    
• stroke
  • must not drive but may not need to notify the DVLA
  • driving may resume after 1 month if there has been satisfactory clinical recovery
  • the DVLA does not need to be notified unless there is residual neurological deficit 1 month after the episode and, in particular:
    • visual field defects
    • cognitive defects
    • impaired limb function
  • minor limb weakness alone after a stroke will not require notification to the DVLA unless restriction to certain types of vehicle or adapted controls may be needed. With adaptations, severe physical impairment may not be an obstacle to driving
  • seizures occurring at the time of a stroke or TIA, or in the ensuing 24 hours, may be treated as provoked for licensing purposes, provided there is no previous history of unprovoked seizure or cerebral pathology. Such provoked seizures will usually necessitate driving cessation

Doctors wishing information concerning patients' ability to drive following a TIA/stroke are advised to consult 'At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive' or the DVLA medical advisers.

Reference:

• (1) DVLA (June 2019). At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive