How to Get Back to Driving After Stroke

When can I get back to driving? This is a question I commonly hear after someone has had a stroke. While the answer is different for everyone, there are usually several steps you'll need to go through to see if you're ready to get back on the road.
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:30 Assessments
02:23 Driving Rehab
05:25 Outro
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Music from epidemicsound.com
Medical Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a physician or qualified healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or therapy regimen.

[@nataliecollier3736]

I am a stroke survivor, mainly my vision is damaged.. but I just passed my last evaluation to get back on the road 🎉❤ sending love to all my fellow stroke survivors! 💞 there is always hope 🫶🏽

[@faisalahmad3309]

Thanks

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Congratulations!! That's so exciting! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and positivity ❤️

[@mcastanedajones]

I didn’t took any assessment since my OT told me it’s not covered by my insurance and she thought I’ll be able to do it even without any car modifications. I practiced driving in a parking lot, I had trouble turning at first because my left hand was firmly curled up, but eventually after watching your videos and following your routine exercises my hand started to open up, well today it’s my third week of driving on my own and I’m loving it!!!! I feel almost normal again and I have some of my independence back. I go where I want to go and when I want to ❤

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Yes, unfortunately, driving rehab is not usually covered by insurance (which it should be). In Tennessee, where I'm located, there is no requirement for someone to pass an assessment to return to driving. That rule may vary state to state. Thank you for sharing your story though! I'm so glad to hear that you're back to driving and that my videos have been helpful for you! ❤️ Keep me posted on your progress 😊

[@lafredricklancaster3176]

😢😢

[@worldwildwildwild]

⁠@@PostStrokeOrgHi, fab channel here. An urgent help ask, as I’ll hv my post stroke first driving assessment, Canada. Insurance/govt. none covered. Could u kindly share the driving exercise as prior person mentioned?! Grateful!

[@worldwildwildwild]

@@lafredricklancaster3176Pls. Note, 2 yr post stroke affects my right side foot and hand. Left side both normal. Right foot, paddle strength might be the problem 3 to 4 over 7 strength. Right hand way better than foot, OT said don’t think an issue. So pls advise of how to prep my foot for the driving test/assessment. Best!

[@49lucky]

I took the assessment at the hospital and PASSED. But still took me a month or 2 before I actually got behind the wheel.😊

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks so much for sharing! Congratulations on getting back to it! ❤️

[@benbenson7300]

I never lost my mind after my stroke. I just felt normal exept for the left side of my body not working (until now) getting my licence was the greatest accomplishment of my life. How dare they take away my licence without talking about it to me first! The nurses are trained to dob you in and make life as complicated for you as they se fit.

[@scottwhite2583]

As a stroke survivor I had to do testing for the cognitive functions and pass my purple vision test. Once I did that it was just a matter of being taught how to drive with just one only working hand.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks for sharing your experience! How long did the process take for you?

[@scottwhite2583]

@@PostStrokeOrg one price advice I’d like to offer is drive within your limitations. In my case where I live, the roads are very curvy and not will lit so with only one arm to use I don’t drive at night. I’d rather be safe and keep others safe as well

[@scottwhite2583]

@@PostStrokeOrg it’s it took a month or so because I could only go out on my friends schedule

[@evesp32]

Thank you soooo much for helping me through my recovery. I’ve had more results watching your videos than actually going to therapists. ❤

[@PostStrokeOrg]

I’m sorry you haven’t gotten good results from your therapy sessions but glad that you’ve found my videos helpful! ❤️

[@CarlosRodriguez-yw6iz]

I am a stroke survivor. I recently passed my visual exam and my theoretical exam, but I would like to go to school. I live in the state of Massachusetts. If anyone knows of any school, I’ll thank you. Keep up the hard work 💪🏻God bless you all

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Congratulations!! And good luck on your new journey going to school!

[@user-eo9qd8zx4w]

You need to be completely fit after using herbal's for Stroke rehabilitation by Dr emuakhe from Africa

[@seahawk124]

Thank Elyse. I lived in the UK and had a stroke about 2 and an half years ago, which left me left-side hemiplegia . I went for a driving assement in May and all was good. I'm just in the process finding a driving instructor who can meet my needs. My confindent was knocked massaivly, by the stroke and has given me anixtey. So, I'm that is holding me back more at the moment, but thank you advice and encouragement. Hopefully, I get some freedom back soon.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

You're so welcome! Congratulations on passing your driving assessment. I hope that you find an instructor who will be helpful to you. You're not alone in experiencing anxiety ❤️ Around 25% of survivors will have it. If you haven't talked with your doctor about it yet, maybe reach out! Keep me posted on how things go with your driving!

[@seahawk124]

@@PostStrokeOrg Thank you Elyse.

[@cg167]

Thank you for everything. Your videos have helped me immensely.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you so much❤️☺️

[@adelhassannejad4632]

A very good video , thank you

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Of course! ❤️

[@ernestreid9296]

When my Dad had a stroke, he lost use of his right leg. He still drove using his left foot on the gas. He was STUBBORN. He wouldn't get modifications for the car to make it safe. No matter what we told him was available. Also how would he feel if he ran over and killed a little girl. The only reason he stopped driving was because he had to go to a nursing home. after another stroke. Please use the help that is available and be safe.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Ugh, that's such a tough situation for everyone involved. I'm so sorry that you, your dad, and your family all had to deal with it. I completely understand that it's so hard to give up something that allows you to be independent, but it's so important to think about not only your safety, but the safety of others. Thank you so much for sharing this and for the advice to others ❤️

[@CarlosRodriguez-yw6iz]

I am a stroke survivor. I recently passed the visual exam and the theoretical exam, but for my last exam I would like to go to a school I live in the state of Massachusetts. If anyone knows anything, I’ll thank you and keep the hard work 💪🏻God bless you all

[@user-eo9qd8zx4w]

You need to be Completely fit after using herbal's for Stroke rehabilitation by Dr emuakhe from Africa

[@leahargel24]

Thanks!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you SO much for your contribution to Post Stroke ❤️❤️

[@glennelswick2760]

I drove home from work while having a stroke and parked it now 3 months later and speaking to my neurologist I asked if I could drive and he said yes but in short distances for short periods so guess what I'm driving again

[@PostStrokeOrg]

So glad to hear that you're able to drive again! Hope that it's going well and you're feeling confident ❤️

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

I passed the cognitive test after my stroke but I haven’t returned to driving yet 4 years on. I drove once after 3 years but then I fell and fractured my back so it’s been another year. I have suffered with extreme fatigue which has held me back because I haven’t felt that I’d be aware enough to drive. I’m am intending to return to doing short local journeys but I may get some driving lessons before I do. That is my plan anyway. 😊

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you so much for sharing and I'm sorry to hear about the setbacks. Keep us posted on how things are going as you work on getting back in the driver's seat ❤️

[@ilonabaier6042]

only fyi: in Germany one is not permitted to drive for 3 months after a stroke.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks for the info!

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

Yes & no, drove in concentric circles around neighborhood until comfortable. Eventually moved on driving to the petrol station, however, I still don't to this day won't drive on freeway.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Glad to hear you drive to the petrol station and you set boundaries where you don’t feel comfortable 🙂❤️

[@clivekempson2236]

This was the most frustrating part of my journey.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

You're not alone there. Driving is such a huge piece of regaining independence!

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

It took years before I drove again

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Everyone recovers in their own timeline and may take longer than others to feel comfortable with certain activities ❤️

[@mudduck754]

They weren't happy with me at the hospital, my left front tire went flat in the parking lot, and broke the bead, dang 16.5 tires so I got out the starter fluid, sprayed some in the tire and lit it with my lighter and poofed the tire back on the rim, then got out my compressor and brought it up to 50lbs, they never seen that before, then folded up the Walker threw it in the back and managed to get up in my seat, and fired the old girl up. Once she was warmed up, I hit the road with only my right leg functional. Seems my left leg didn't want to work the brakes, being told the whole time I wasn't up to driving, told them I am just sitting here, the old girl knows her way home. It's been interesting, especially getting gasoline, get out hold on to the side of the truck to work my way around the back to the canopy get the Walker out then make it to the gas pump, now I can do it just using the cane, the interesting part is when I do a propane exchange so I have heat hot water and can cook, but somebody always help me with the full bottle,

[@PostStrokeOrg]

I'm glad you were able to get home safely! And those propane tanks can be really heavy. Glad you have someone to help you carry them!

[@charla2468]

My husband had a bad stroke in 11/22, he is doing well but will never drive a car on the road ever again. He made his mind up about that saying he could have died on the stroke night. And if he drives again he will hit a car. What if he kills a young person in that other vehicle. This came out of his mouth and he will not drive a car. And he is 57 years old...

[@ba8yluvs]

I'm still in the process of waiting to hear back from the CA DMV and it's been 12 weeks.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@ba8yluvs oh man, that's a long time. Getting through the government's red tape can be so frustrating. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Hoping you hear something soon 🤞❤️

[@legendary8838]

I’ve been driving again about a year and I’ve never been so nervous it was like my first time ever driving. But I had to test a few times because my vision wasn’t ready, but it felt great regaining some independence but I wish I could use both hands but I’m very safe using using my dominant hand, I’m still nervous at times and I don’t speed and avoid big trucks and clumps of traffic, going through intersections make me nervous

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Congratulations on getting back to driving! I'm sure it must have been (and sometimes still can be) nerve wracking. Do you feel like your confidence has improved since you starting driving again?

[@legendary8838]

@@PostStrokeOrg over all kinda but I still have no social life 😆

[@jimbrown5552]

I miss driving

[@PostStrokeOrg]

I'm sorry. Driving gives us so much independence. I know it must be difficult and frustrating to not be able to do it anymore❤️

[@sajanninan4520]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@PostStrokeOrg]

❤️❤️

[@bonniejackson1321]

🤟

[@mega5365]

I was in a very bad car accident and they did two emergency surgeries and it caused me to have severe stroke. I worked with a company called therapeutic mobilities. And they did testing on me and took me driving. And I passed, but I'm still terrified and scared to drive. Like with them in the car with me. I did good but i'm scared to drive alone I need advice

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@mega5365 I'm so sorry to hear about your stroke during your surgery. It can be so scary and anxiety-producing getting back in the car. Do you have a friend or family member who could go out with you in parking lots or low-traffic roads to help build up your confidence?

[@kralios]

after 11 months, I still dont dare to drive my scooter.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you for sharing! Every person is at a different place in their recovery and what is right for them with regard to driving (whether a car, scooter, or other mobility aid).

[@dawnstephens9538]

How do you lose weight in a wheelchair after a stroke

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Good question! The same rules apply to weight loss whether or not someone is in a wheelchair. Calories in need to be less than calories out. That might mean cutting back on portion sizes, eating more whole foods like whole grains, veggies, fruits, and lean meats, eating less processed and fast foods, and moving your body more. If you have access to a dietitian, they can be really helpful in creating a individualized food plan to meet your specific needs! And if you have access to therapy or a personal trainer, they can help you develop an exercise plan based on the movement abilities you have 😊

[@andrewbrumagen3479]

I was a professional driver but I can't drive anymore and I don't have any talents besides driving.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

I'm so sorry to hear this. That must be so frustrating. Have you ever thought about participating in a vocational rehabilitation program? They may be able to help match you/your skills with a job/profession.

[@jimbrown5552]

Watching from Ireland

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks for watching! 🇮🇪😊 Hello from Tennessee, U.S.

[@YenEditss]

Does having TIA at 27 means i can't live a full life ?

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Strokes and TIAs affect people VERY differently and I’d first recommend you have this conversation with your doctor or therapist, someone who understands your specific situation. But I can speak anecdotally to what I’ve seen many survivors go through. SO many survivors go on to live happy, fulfilled lives. Things may be a little different than how they were before the TIA but that doesn’t mean you can’t live a full life! If any survivors would like to weigh in and help this commenter, please do ❤️

[@mcastanedajones]

I asked myself the same question after my Spinal Cord Stroke that left me paralyzed, I became a quadriplegic, I asked every single doctor the same question and the answer was always “I don’t know, every one is different “, but Im here to tell you: YES YOU CAN. Life will be different but there’s so much devices, modifications tools and so much you can do to improve that a happy and fulfilling life it’s possible, something I didn’t believed at first but it will happen for you too since you have something I didn’t have, your youth ❤ Don’t give up and work hard to recovery and eventually you’ll find yourself doing things you thought you will never do again. DONT GIVE UP HOPE❤

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you SO much for sharing this beautiful response ❤️ Never give up hope❤️

[@YenEditss]

@@mcastanedajones Thank you for your reply

[@clivekempson2236]

What are the actual legal requirements to returning to driving?

[@PostStrokeOrg]

This is a great question, Clive! In the U.S. it varies by state, and it also varies country to country. In some U.S. states, there is no legal requirement at all, which seems a bit wild to me for the safety of everyone involved! I believe in the UK if someone has visual issues (especially neglect or inattention) they have to get a visual assessment before approval to get back on the road. If anyone would like to comment on their experience with requirements to return to driving, please feel free to share!

[@clivekempson2236]

@@PostStrokeOrg Here in Australia there are different rules in each state. In Victoria where I live I had to have at least 3 months off the road the an OT driving assessment. The problem is that there is a lack of information passed on to the stroke survivor and their family, so some people just return to driving without understanding the legal issues it could cause

[@kathrynK303]

Do you by any chance, know the legal regulations in Tennessee? I've been told by my pcp that an assessment isn't required and that I should be good to go, but I'm still worried and more than anything, I don't want to hurt anyone.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Great question! Yes, I actually live in Tennessee. My understanding is the same as your pcp's. I don't believe Tennessee doesn't require a specific assessment to allow someone post stroke or brain injury to return to driving. This may vary state to state and country to country. And unfortunately, driving rehab is usually not covered by insurance. If you are concerned, you could look into driving rehab programs near you and what their cost might be. It might be worth asking your pcp what their recommendations would be based on your desire to be cautious as you start driving again! Like, how would they recommend you practice to make sure you feel safe enough to be on the road.

[@kathrynK303]

@PostStrokeOrg Thank you so much, ma'am! She said that she feels like I can practice with my boyfriend and basically just take it slow and easy and not to drive alone until I'm fully comfortable with it.

[@mattburgess2571]

I drive with a spinner knob

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@adelhassannejad4632]

Pun intended 😂😂

[@PostStrokeOrg]

😁 🚦