Driving after a hip or knee replacement?
You’re recovering well, and now wanting to get more independence back by driving again.
Questions to ask yourself?
Are you off all strong (opioids if using them) pain relief? Feeling well rested and sleeping ok?
Automatic car? Left leg or right? Often patients with a left operative leg with an automatic car can go back slightly earlier as it’s not requiring braking and accelerator responsiveness and power.
In Australia, driver licensing authorities may require medical clearance following significant surgery or major medical events. After knee replacement or hip replacement surgery, Dr Kade Collins will assess your recovery and provide guidance on when it is safe and appropriate for you to return to driving.
When can or should you drive?
You can drive when you feel you’re back at a similar level you were at before surgery.
Drive once you feel safe/competent again. If you feel ‘safe’ to drive before then that is your personal judgement as only you know how ‘good’/’safe’ you were to drive before the surgery for example.
There’s no formal paperwork or tests, it’s often safer to wait until the 4-6 week mark if you’re unsure or longer if needed.
You should be off all strong pain relief, if any doubt in your mind (unsure) don’t rush
Play it on the safer side, ie. when your certain you can hit the brakes/accelerator and get in/out of the car in the case of an emergency or someone stepping out in front of you, especially if it’s your brake/accelerator leg (right-sided surgery for an automatic)
Emergency stop: The most critical factor is being able to control the vehicle in an emergency situation. You must be able to brake quickly and safely without pain or hesitation. And get in and out of the car without too much discomfort.
You should discuss it with Dr Kade Collins, your rehab team and/or your physio. If you’re unsure, it’s a common query.
Start by a short/small drive in your driveway or around the block with a friend/family, to make sure you feel safe/ok doing it. If you don’t, simply wait a bit longer.
If you’re wanting to drive before the 4-6 week mark, I’d suggest considering these ‘tests’/checks:
Several straightforward ways to assess your ability to drive:
Sit in the car seat, without the key in the ignition. The engine should be off; all you are doing is practising the movements associated with driving. You can do this by applying strong pressure onto the pedals (as though you are operating the clutch or brakes intensely). This particular movement evidences that you could perform an emergency stop if necessary.
If you experience pain while completing this movement, you are not ready to drive. Give it a few days before trying again.
If your muscles feel sore afterwards, then, again, it would be best to wait for a few days before attempting again.
However, if you can complete this movement comfortably, then you could further test your capacity to drive with a very short drive ideally with someone.
While testing your ability to drive, you must also be able to get in and out of the car without experiencing any significant pain causing limitations.
