If you've had an injury to your arm or leg, one of the things you might be wondering about is whether you're still safe — or allowed — to drive. The rules around this can feel a bit unclear, but here’s what you need to know.

 

The DVLA is the government body responsible for setting driving standards in the UK. They don’t assess every person individually after an injury, so it’s your responsibility to make a decision on whether you’re safe to drive. Your doctor will be able to provide some guidance on driving safety, or you may contact the DVLA directly if you feel more clarification is needed.

 

From a medical point of view, you should only drive if you’re confident that you can fully control the vehicle. That includes using the pedals, changing gears, steering, and reacting quickly to anything unexpected — all without significant pain, hesitation, or weakness. You also need to be able to perform emergency manoeuvres, like sudden braking or swerving, without delay.

 

If you do drive while you’re still impaired, and you're involved in an accident, your insurance company might argue that you weren’t in proper control of the vehicle. That could affect your insurance cover and you could even be held personally responsible for any damage or injury caused.

 

Most fractures are managed with some form of immobilisation — like a cast, boot, sling, or brace — and for most people, this lasts about six weeks. During this period, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to drive safely. 

 

Alongside your injury, you should also be aware of any pain relief you’ve been prescribed. Some medications — especially opioids or anything that causes drowsiness — can affect your focus, your concentration or your reaction time. As we discussed before, the decision on whether this makes you unsafe to drive depends on whether you are able to maintain full control of the vehicle and react appropriately to emergencies without impaired judgement or execution.

 

If you have further questions about driving following an injury, you can discuss with your doctor during the appointment — or contact the DVLA for advice.