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A guide for drivers following a stroke, TIA, ministroke, cerebral thrombosis or amaurosis fugax

The role of the Medical Section at the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is to promote road safety by establishing whether drivers who have medical conditions can satisfy the medical standards required for safe driving.

Medical enquiries will need to be undertaken if any of the following circumstances apply:

  • one month after the stroke there are residual symptoms causing limb weakness, or visual disturbance, or problems with co-ordination, memory or understanding
  • epileptic attacks of any kind have occurred, other than those within the 24 hours following the stroke event
  • brain surgery was required as part of the treatment for the stroke event
  • there has been more than one stroke event within the past three months
  • your doctors have expressed concern about your fitness to drive
  • you either hold a current LGV or PCV licence

Persistent limb disability following a stroke event may not prevent you holding a driving licence. Adaptations to a vehicle and/or restriction to automatic types of vehicle may enable you to overcome driving difficulties even when there are quite complex disabilities.

The law requires adaptations or restriction to certain types of vehicles to be noted on the licence. Therefore you'll need to tell DVA if adaptations are necessary. In the interests of road safety you must be sure at all times that you can safely control a motor vehicle.

If you have any doubts as to whether any of above points apply to your case, you should discuss the matter with your doctor(s). If any of the circumstances listed above are relevant to your case you'll need to contact DVA.

If the above information indicates that you need to notify DVA about your condition you can do so by contacting DVA on 0845 402 4000 (lines are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).

Surrendering your licence

If you have been advised by your doctor that you shouldn’t be driving, you may wish to voluntarily surrender your licence and reapply for it’s return in the future when you have the support of your doctor(s).

Important - GP fees

DVA will pay the appropriate fee to your GP (doctor) for the completion of your medical form(s) on the first occasion only. Payment for duplicates will be your responsibility.

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