Driving After Surgery: Rules You Should Know
Table of Contents
If you’ve recently had surgery and plan to get back behind the wheel, it’s important to know how it affects your car insurance. In the UK, you must be fit to drive, and in some cases, you’re required to notify both the DVLA and your insurer, especially if the surgery impacts your ability to control a vehicle.
Failing to disclose relevant medical information could invalidate your policy and make any future claim more difficult.
Key points
When You Can Legally Drive After Surgery
There’s no universal “wait time” after surgery, it depends on:
- The type of surgery (e.g. major abdominal, orthopaedic, or eye surgery)
- Advice from your doctor or surgeon
- Your ability to perform emergency stops and operate the vehicle safely
If you’re unsure, check with your doctor first. You should only drive when you can do so safely and without impairments.
Do I Need to Tell My Insurance Company?
You may need to inform your car insurer if:
- You’re advised not to drive for a significant period
- The surgery could affect your mobility, reaction time, or awareness
- You’ve developed a new medical condition as a result of surgery
Insurers assess risk based on your current health. Not informing them of relevant changes could risk policy cancellation or claim denial.
Do I Need to Tell the DVLA?
Yes, in certain cases. You must tell the DVLA if your surgery leads to:
- A long-term medical condition
- A temporary inability to drive safely (some conditions require a minimum notification period)
- The use of mobility aids or prosthetics that affect driving
Check the DVLA’s medical conditions list or speak to your GP if unsure.
Surgeries That Commonly Require Driving Breaks
- Hip or knee replacements – usually 6–8 weeks off driving
- Abdominal surgery – varies, but often 2–6 weeks recovery
- Cataract surgery – typically 1–2 weeks if vision is stable
- Cardiac surgery – driving is usually restricted for at least 4 weeks
Always follow medical advice and only resume driving when it’s safe.
Can I drive if I still feel groggy from anaesthetic or medication?
No. You should not drive under the influence of strong painkillers or while recovering from anaesthesia.
Will driving after surgery affect my insurance premium?
Not usually, unless the surgery results in a long-term health issue that increases driving risk.
What if I’m caught driving too soon after surgery?
If you’re not fit to drive, you could be charged with careless or dangerous driving, and your insurer may refuse to pay out in the event of an accident.
Should I inform my insurer even if my doctor says I’m fit to drive?
If the surgery was significant or affected your driving ability for more than a few weeks, it’s best to let them know.
In Summary
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Only drive after surgery when you’re physically safe and cleared by a doctor
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You may need to notify your insurer if your condition affects your ability to drive
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The DVLA must be informed of long-term or serious changes to your health
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Failing to disclose medical information could invalidate your insurance
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