Stroke

If you’ve had a stroke and feel ready to return to driving, we can help get you back behind the wheel.

Return to driving safely

The OT driving assessment step-by-step

  1. Off-road assessment involving visual, cognitive and physical tests.
  2. On-road driving assessment with OT and driving instructor in dual control vehicle. Vehicle modifications available if required.
  3. OT report with recommendations, including driving lessons if needed.

Vehicle modifications after a stroke

Learning to drive with vehicle modifications

Vehicle modifications are prescribed on your licence

The OT informs RMS of the changes to your licence.

Driving lessons

Learn to drive with your modifications to prepare you for the RMS disability driving test. You may need another OT assessment after the lessons.

Modify your vehicle

We can refer you to a vehicle modifier. For NDIS participants, we can complete the AT report to request NDIS funding.

Man driving in OT driving assessment
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FAQ

Following a stroke, your doctor will advise you of a timeframe that you must refrain from driving. Often, this starts at 4 weeks for private licence holders, but also depends on the severity of the stroke and your recovery.

Yes, the RMS must be notified following a serious medical incident such as a stroke. This notification can be completed by the licence holder or their family, but usually their doctor makes this notification.

Commercial drivers usually need to wait 3 months to return to driving a heavy vehicle following a stroke. This is because there are higher safety standards for commercial and public passenger drivers. The RMS must be notified of the stroke as soon as possible.