Driving

In the UK the DVLA has responsibility to determine an individuals fitness to drive.

Technically by law all drivers suffering from any disability should contact the DVLA.

In general the DVLA only needs to be notified if the disability may become more permanent and the driver may require specialised car adaptations.

If any doubt exists the DVLA should be consulted by the patient and there advice acted on.

Ultimately it is the patient/ drivers responsibility to ensure/ show that they are in full control of the vehicle at all times.

It is also advisable for the patient/ driver to check with there insurance company.

 

When asked - " When will I be able to drive" consider the following:

  • Recovery from anaesthesia (sedation and cognitive impairment), as a rule no driving within 24hrs of general anaesthetic.

  • Pain - distracting effect of pain, sedation and cognitive effect of analgesics.

  • Physical restrictions due to the surgery - cast, reaction times (see below).

  • Type of vehicle, purpose etc.

Advise them to try out the vehicle controls while stationary, then start on short trips in optimal conditions accompanied by another qualified driver.

 

Reaction times (for most patients to return to near normal):

  • Total hip replacement - 8 weeks, some patients with right hip replacement, require longer.

  • Total knee replacement - 8 weeks, no significant difference left vs right.

  • Knee arthroscopy - 1 week.

  • Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction - Left side 2 weeks, right side 6 weeks

  • Colle’s type cast - Does not hinder use of steering wheel, BUT patient would have to demonstrate that they were in full control of the vehicle.

  • Scaphoid and Bennett’s cast - Significant impairment, not safe, impairs use of steering wheel.

  • Groin hernia surgery - Generally safe after 1 week.

NOTE above are guides to return of near normal reaction times, as a doctor you may advise the patient, IT IS NOT FOR YOU TO DECIDE IF A PATIENT IS FIT TO DRIVE.

Ensure the patient knows it is His/ Her ultimate responsibility to ensure they are in full control of the vehicle and if not, should not drive.

If asked by an insurance company ensure you direct them to the patient. (Von Arx)

 

References

Driving whilst plastered: is it safe, is it legal?: A survey of advice to patients given by orthopaedic surgeons, insurance companies and the police; Injury, Volume 35, Issue 9, September 2004, Pages 883-887; O. A. Von Arx, A. J. Langdown, R. A. Brooks and D. A. Woods
 

Doctor, when can I drive?’: an update on the medico-legal aspects of driving following an injury or operation. Injury, Volume 35, Issue 9, September 2004, Pages 888-890; V. A. Nuñez and G. E. B. Giddins

Page created by: Lee Van Rensburg
Last updated: 11/09/2015