Thank you for contacting the Stroke Foundation. I am sorry to hear about you stroke.
After a stroke, it is recommended that you do not drive for at least two weeks after a TIA and at least three months after a stroke. If you have a commercial driving license, different restrictions apply. You must not drive for at least four weeks after a TIA and three months after a stroke. You need medical clearance before driving again.
Your local doctor (GP) can give you a medical clearance to return to driving if you have made a good recovery from the stroke and has no remaining impairments that affects your ability to drive. Sometimes your doctor might also refer you to your neurologist to obtain a clearance certificate, depending on the impact of stroke.
I would encourage to also check with your state licensing authority as they may have specific rules and regulations around getting back to driving.
For further information on returning to driving after a stroke, please read the following factsheet: https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Driving-fact-sheet
Best wishes,
Strokeline
I'm finding it hard to get info on who has to clear me to drive. I had a minor stroke sometime in the week 26/11 - 2/12. I was admitted to hospital 2/12 and discharged five days later. I was told not to drive for four weeks. The hospital told me to follow up with my GP and called me a week later to confirm I'd made an appointment. I had that appointment (telehealth) yesterday and my GP told me my Stroke Specialist at the hospital needs to clear me to drive. I estimate the date I should be able to drive again to be approx. 28/12 but with only seven days till Christmas I'm concerned that I won't be able to get clearance before the New Year. I live in a semi-rural town and it's a three hour round trip for family to pick me up for Christmas. I feel stranded and alone.
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