Driving

You must stop driving for at least 1 month after your mini stroke (TIA) or minor stroke. It is important to know the procedures that you should follow to start driving again. The following information is from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Be gentle with yourself when you resume driving again and consider taking a partner/friend on your first drive.

They told me I couldn’t drive for four weeks. So that was the hardest thing. Because I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t work.

TIA Patient

 

Car or motorcycle licence

Can I drive after a mini stroke (TIA) or minor stroke?

You must stop driving a car or motorcycle for at least 1 month. You can restart only when your doctor tells you it is safe.

Do I need to tell the DVLA?

NO, unless you experience the following:

  • You have had more than one recent stroke or TIA
  • One month after the stroke you are still suffering from weakness of the arms or legs, visual disturbance, or problems with co-ordination, memory or understanding
  • You have had any kind of seizure, unless: – it happened at the time of the stroke or TIA or within the following 24 hours and you have never had a seizure, stroke or TIA before
  • You needed brain surgery as part of the treatment for the stroke
  • A person providing your medical care has said he/she is concerned about your ability to drive safely
  • You hold a current Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) (Group 2) driving licence

If any of the above apply, fill in the form STR1 and send it to the DVLA.

Bus, coach or lorry licence

Can I drive after a mini stroke (TIA) or minor stroke?

You must stop driving a bus, coach or lorry for at least one year. You can restart only when your doctor tells you it is safe.

Do I need to tell the DVLA?

YES, you must tell the DVLA if you had a mini stroke (TIA) or minor stroke.

Fill in form STR1V and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

What happens after you tell DVLA

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 weeks. You’ll get a letter from DVLA if it’s going to take longer.

DVLA might:

Useful resources

Information leaflets

Websites

DVLA Forms: report your medical condition