Driving a Car After a Stroke

Topic Overview

After a stroke, problems with your vision, speech, or ability to move can change your ability to drive safely. So you'll need to get approval to drive again. This may be hard to accept. You may feel that this is a big loss of independence. But this approval is for the safety of yourself and others.

Talk with your doctor and your loved ones about driving again. You will need your doctor's approval to drive again. Also, check with your motor vehicle department about the rules for people who have had a stroke. You may need to take classes, be tested again, and have changes made to your car. Some stroke rehab centers give driver training classes.

If you cannot drive because of problems from your stroke, check with your stroke rehab center about programs that offer special vans that can take you to and from places. Senior groups and volunteer agencies may also offer transportation services.