Driving after stroke

Being able to drive again is important for many people after a stroke. This is possible and about half of people who have had a stroke return to driving.

Your doctor or stroke specialist will decide if, and when, it is safe for you to drive. This will depend on the effects of your stroke and how long they last.

How does a stroke change my ability to drive safely?

A stroke can affect key driving skills such as:

Attention
Memory
Judgment
Insight
Reaction time
Sight
Range of motion
Strength
Coordination
Hearing
Control over emotions

If you drove before your stroke, here is what you can expect along your stroke journey:

During your hospital stay:

Your health care team assesses whether your stroke has affected your ability to drive. If there are no concerns, you need to wait 30 days before driving again.
If your stroke has made driving unsafe for you, your doctor must report your stroke to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The MTO may suspend your licence until you recover enough to drive safely again.

In inpatient or outpatient rehab:

An occupational therapist and members of the rehab team can work with you on skills to make driving more safe and to prepare you for your driving assessment.

In the community:

If your license was reported, the MTO will send you a letter in the mail. It may say that your license was suspended and have information about what you need to do to get your license back. You can bring this letter to your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to other professionals (for example: occupational therapist, optometrist, etc.) and also send you for an on-road driving test also known as a “Functional Driving Assessment”. They may send you for a vision test to check if you are eligible for a “vision waiver”.

Sometimes there are lasting effects of the stroke that make driving unsafe. When this happens, returning to driving may not be possible. Making arrangements with family or friends, or considering alternatives such as Wheel-Trans or volunteer driving services may be options.

Watch this video about driving after stroke to learn more:

Video credit: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

How do I get my licence back?

The MTO will send you a letter telling you what to do to get your licence back.

They may need:

A doctor’s report
Report from other specialists (for example, neurologist, ophthalmologist)

These reports must show that you have healed enough to drive safely. The MTO will review these reports and send you a letter with a decision. This may take several months. If you do not agree with the decision, you can appeal.

Functional Assessment Centers

If you must do an on-road driving test, the MTO will send you a list of approved FACs. You will need to have a full medical assessment and do an on-road test with an occupational therapist and a qualified driving instructor. This test has a cost. Lessons may be recommended before returning to driving.

Where can I get training to help me drive safely after a stroke?

You may want to reach out to a driving rehabilitation centre that provides a range of services including completing assessments that are done to decide if you are medically fit to drive, and training for adaptive driving controls and driver reintegration. Examples of Ontario Ministry of Transportation approved driving rehabilitation centres include:

Visit the MTO website to see a list of approved assessment centres. You can sign up for driving training at these centres. You will need to pay for this service.

Watch this video to learn more about driving training after stroke:

Video credit: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Where do I go for a driving test after stroke?

Visit the MTO website to see a list of approved assessment centres.

Will I need to make changes to my car to drive safely?

Some people are able to drive even if they have physical changes after a stroke. You may need to make some changes to your car so you can drive. Visit an approved driving assessment centre. Ask for an assessment from one of their experts. They will tell you what adapted driving equipment you need.

Examples of changes to your car include:

Special hand controls
Special steering knob
Left foot accelerator

Who can make changes to my vehicle?

Only qualified individuals should make changes to your vehicle. Speak to your assessor for a list of companies that adapt cars for people with disabilities.

Can I get funding to help pay for changes to my vehicle?

March of Dimes Canada’s Home & Vehicle Modification Program

This program helps people living in Ontario pay for basic car adjustments. There is a set amount of funding for this program. Learn more on the March of Dimes website.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

There are tax credits or tax deductions for people with disabilities and their families. You can submit your receipts with your next tax return. Learn more about tax credits on the CRA website.

I cannot drive safely right now. What other options do I have?

Here are some options you can try instead of driving:

Asking family and friends for a ride
Wheel-Trans. This program provides door-to-door accessible public transit service to people with disabilities. Learn more about this program on the TTC website or by calling Wheel-Trans: 416-393-4111.
Volunteer driving services. Provides assisted door-to-door transportation services to seniors and adults with disabilities for a small fee.

How can I get an accessible parking permit?

You can apply for an accessible parking permit on the Service Ontario website. You and your healthcare team will need to fill out the forms together. Service Ontario Toll-free: 1-800-387-3445.

Having read the information in this section, consider the following

Has the doctor (family doctor, neurologist, physiatrist) advised me not to drive, or reported me to the MTO to have my license reviewed?
Has the doctor (neurologist, physiatrist) said it is okay for me to drive again?
Do I know what steps to take to get my licence back?
Do I need to have a driving test?
Do I know where to go for this test?
Do I know how much the test costs?
Have I spoken with my occupational therapist or rehabilitation team about ways to improve my driving skills?
Have I spoken with an occupational therapist about how to change my vehicle?
Do I know which companies can help me to make changes to my vehicle?
Can I apply for funding to help cover the cost of these changes?
Have I told my car insurance company about any changes (for example: changes to my licence or vehicle modification)?
Do I know what transportation options are available if I am no longer allowed to drive (for example: Wheel-Trans or community services)?

Where to get more information, help and support:

Home and Vehicle Accessibility

Accessible Parking Permits
Call toll free 1-800-268-4686 or 416-235-4686 (Toronto)

Driver Improvement Office, Medical Review Section
Call toll free 1-800-268-1481 or 416-235-1773 (Toronto)

For a full list of Ministry approved Assessment Centres

Approved Functional Assessment Centres for drivers

Vehicle modification

Car dealers that adapt and modify vehicles for people with disabilities

General Motors of Canada – Mobility Program

Savaria Vehicle Group

Silver Cross Automotive

Public Transportation

Toronto Ride – 416-481-5250

Wheel Trans – 416-393-4111

List of transportation options

Search for transportation services using the following directories:

Information on return to driving

Return to Driving Information pamphlet Toronto Rehabilitation

Driving After a Stroke in Ontario, Booklet by the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network Arabic, Dutch, English French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Driving After a TIA in Ontario, Booklet by the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish