Return to Driving will be influenced by a combination of:
- Specific guidelines relating to brain injury, including complications such as seizures or surgical procedures, as laid down by driving authorities in UK. Consult Assessing fitness to drive – a guide for medical professionals.
- The impact of specific impairments, especially those that impact on visual acuity or fields; oculomotion; cognitive ability or speed of processing; or physical impairments that affect use of either foot or hand controls.
- Psychological consequences of the brain injury.
- Specific vocational requirements in relation to taxi-drivers; delivery drivers; industrial vehicles etc.
- Insurance requirements – which are usually best addressed after driving authority advice has first been received.
When any residual disability is likely to affect an individual’s driving ability it is important that they receive medical advice and notify the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Below are useful links for further information:
Headway – Driving after Brain Injury
DVLA – Traumatic Brain Injury and Driving