Driving After a Brain Injury: Your Handy Guide to Regaining Independence 

It’s Action for Brain Injury Week (19-25 May), and at Herts Ability, we’re shining a light on one of the key milestones many people face during recovery - returning to driving after a brain injury.

Why This Matters

Did you know?

• There were 356,699 UK hospital admissions for acquired brain injury (ABI) in 2019=20
• That’s approximately 977 people every day - or one admission every 90 seconds
• In England and Wales, 1.4 million people attend hospital for head injuries each year
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains the leading cause of death under 40 in the UK

Whether caused by trauma or illness, a brain injury can impact physical abilities, cognition, and overall day-to-day independence. One of the most significant aspects of reclaiming that independence is the ability to drive again.

Can You Drive After a Brain Injury?

The short answer: Possibly - but with the right assessment and support. Everyone's journey after a brain injury is different. Symptoms may affect:

Vision

Speech and language

Thinking and memory

Balance and coordination

Posture and movement

Behaviour and emotional regulation

That’s why driving after an ABI isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It's essential to undergo a medical assessment and seek professional advice before getting behind the wheel.

How Herts Ability Can Help 

At Herts Ability, we specialise in Driving Assessments designed specifically for individuals recovering from brain injuries.

Here’s how we help:

Occupational Therapy Assessment: Our clinical team will evaluate your physical and cognitive abilities to understand how your injury may affect driving.

Specialist Driving Instructor Support: Based on the OT assessment, our instructors work with you to explore any vehicle adaptations that might help. Provide refresher lessons to rebuild skills and confidence. Support your decision whether to resume, adapt, or pause driving.

Ongoing Advice and Rehabilitation Support: We stay with you through your recovery, offering guidance as your needs evolve.

Chris’s Story: A Real-Life Road to Recovery

“I passed my test at 21 and was involved in a road traffic accident as a pedestrian. I spent six months in hospital and another two and a half years in recovery.

It’s a long road - understanding your difficulties and overcoming them. But you can do it, as I have!

I absolutely recommend Herts Ability. They’re incredibly accommodating and friendly.”

What Could the Outcome of a Driving Assessment Be?

Depending on your individual case, our expert team might recommend:

✅ A return to driving as normal

✅ Some lessons to rebuild confidence and refresh skills

✅ Adaptations to your vehicle or driving style

✅ Driving aids or postural supports

✅ Further recovery time before returning to the road

✅ Exploring alternative mobility solutions (e.g. wheelchair accessible vehicles)

Reclaim Your Independence, Safely

Whether you're just beginning your recovery or further along your journey, a driving assessment through an accredited Mobility Centre like Herts Ability can make all the difference.

📞 Call our friendly team on 01707 324 581

📧 Email us at driving@hertsability.org.uk

We’re here to help you take the next step - safely and confidently.

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