Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) and driving

​​You must stop driving straight away if you’ve had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

Car or motorcycle licence

You must stop driving for at least 1 month. You can restart only when your doctor or healthcare professional tells you it is safe.

You do not need to tell DVLA if you had a stroke and have recovered.

You must tell DVLA if you still have any of the following after 1 month:

  • weakness in your arms or legs
  • problems with your eyesight – for example visual field loss or double vision
  • problems with balance, memory or understanding

You must also tell DVLA if:

  • you have had any type of seizure
  • you needed brain surgery as part of your stroke treatment 
  • your doctor thinks you may not be safe to drive

Report your condition online

You can also fill in form STR1 and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

Bus, coach or lorry driver licence

You must tell DVLA and stop driving for at least one year.

Fill in form STR1V and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

DVLA will assess your case and tell you if you need any tests before you can reapply for your licence.

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