My neurologist cancelled my driving license
Sherylon February 5, 2023
2 ResponsesI had a stroke in May last year. My neurologist has only now sent a letter to VicRoads. Im confused- is it my fault he didnt report me?
2 Responses
Sheryl, I am sorry to hear about your stroke.
Driving is a complex task.
After a stroke, your driving can be affected by vision problems, physical and sensory changes, thinking difficulties, changes in your reaction time, or increased fatigue or tiredness.
It is your legal responsibility to tell the licensing authority in your state if changes to your medical status have a permanent or long-term impact on your ability to drive.
You will not necessarily lose your licence when you report these changes. However, if you drive without obtaining medical clearance, or fail to inform the licensing authority of your health condition, you might be criminally liable if you have an accident. Also, your insurance will not cover you.
For further information on this please refer to AUSROADS guidelines for private vehicle drivers with neurological conditions such as stroke here
There may be many reasons why your Neurologist only recently sent off a letter to VICROADS, they may have been waiting on further tests results, evaluations or feedback to evaluate your safe return to driving capacity.
You can certainly ask your Neurologist as to why this occurred, so you gain some understanding as to what the reasons may have been that led to this.
You do need medical clearance to return to driving. Your specialist can clear you to drive if you have made a good recovery from the stroke and you don’t have any remaining impairments that affect your ability to drive.
Your doctor, specialist or VICROADS may recommend an Occupational therapy driving assessment if you have impairments after your stroke.
This may involve a comprehensive assessment involving an on-road test and an off-road assessment.
If you do have to complete an Occupational Therapy driving assessment, be sure to contact your local road traffic authority, often they will have an updated list of Occupational Therapy driver assessor’s which they can provide to you
Please reach out to us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email us at strokefoundation.org.au If you need any further information.
We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.
Kind regards,
Alicia ( StrokeLine)
Sheryl,
Here are some comments from the Stroke Foundation Facebook community which may help too.
Ryan had a similar question to you.
Ryan Munns
I was 22 when I had my stroke, it left me with left homonymous hemianopia. I had to surrender my license, I’m now 48 and haven’t driven since. It still hurts, I don’t think it will ever stop but it’s really important to not get stuck by this, life goes on and there’s so much to enjoy. You will be surrounded by good friends and family who will help you unconditionally and you will live a great life. It’s ok to grieve it, just don’t let it define who you are.
Leigh Smith
I was 69 yrs when I had my stroke, I had been working in Aged Care for years, tons of driving involved in that. I lost my licence for 1 year and had to rely on lousy buses which often were late or never arrived, being stuck waiting as my home was too far from the stores. In the end I only went out to shop once a week as travelling became depressing. I regained my licence after going through another driving test, not written part, but I don't drive as far as I once did but regaining socialisation, independence, meeting new friends is amazing.
Marnie Jorgensen
Mine was suspended for 6 weeks .
I felt very restricted and isolated and missed the freedom that being able to drive gives us.had to pass a medical and and eyetest to get it back. But didnt have to resit driving test.I was so scared to actually drive when i did get it back but so thankful too.
We take so much forgranted and dont realise such basic things actually sometimes mean so very much.
Hopefully you have lot of love and support from family and friends.
Karen Bourke
My license was cancelled but I had to do an Occupational Driving Assessment and a few driving lessons with an Electronic Spinner knob to drive as my stroke affected my left side. I also had to have a Disability driving test which I passed. It took time and money to do all that to get my license back now I have to have a Medical every year
Cheers best wishes
Emma White
Returning to driving is a brilliant practical goal for your rehab! Lots of people who lose their license after a stroke get it back - some after just a waiting period, some following more formal testing. Some need lessons or modifications. A few can’t drive again but in my experience, these are in the minority.
Your doctor, OT, and neuropsychologist (if you’re lucky to have access to that fabulous but sadly rare breed!) can give you great advice about what category you’re likely to fall into, plus your physio if the limitations are mostly physical.
From there, make a plan for how to get that license back, with step by step goals.
And remember, the NDIS can help you maintain your independence even if you can’t drive yourself. Talk to your rehab team about applying.
You’ve got this, and things will improve
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