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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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.

[nataliecollier]

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 🫶🏽

[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 ❤

[benbenson]

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.

[lucky]

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

[scottwhite]

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.

[evesp]

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

[CarlosRodriguez-ywiz]

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

[cg]

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

[seahawk]

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.

[ernestreid]

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.

[cutielovely]

its been 18 months for me and I still can't drive- practiced in a parking lot a few times but I can't move my right foot very well & worried about my reaction time. I had no idea about the assessments- no rehab or hospital ever mentioned it. The nearest driving school to me is 3 hrs away, and I've had trouble even finding people to install equipment, much less knowing what I would need. Very frustrating! But I keep doing my exercises and trying to improve my right side. Hopefully by the new year I can get behind the wheel again.

[barbaralariviere]

It’s been seven years since my first stroke.

Less than a year ago I was hospitalized for falling and balance issues. I went to rehab for a couple of weeks and did not do well with the driving / eye test. I have new glasses now. But my reaction time was bad. Since I left I got a letter from Motor Vehicle with a portion for my reg doctor to sign off on but she wasn’t involved in my last hospitalization and doesn’t want to sign. The problem is, I believe I should be tested and there is nowhere to go to have this done. The rehab hospital no longer does appointments for this testing for out-patient.

[toddmitchell]

My effected side had me worried at first but now I'm back to normal

[glennelswick]

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

[ruthlanwarne]

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. 😊

[adrianabecerra]

My neurologist said I could drive after a month. Nothing was reported to the dmv but I wasn’t sure if I had to report anything to the DMV. I am also a commercial driver and was told I had to wait a year for that. I’m so confused about how that works or who to talk to.

[ziggyzigzag-ndtj]

O.k. I needs that s too I just get a Strokes and am 35 from Jamaica

[legendary]

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

[clivekempson]

This was the most frustrating part of my journey.

[ilonabaier]

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