How Long After Knee Replacement Can You Drive

For many patients recovering from knee replacement surgery in the UK, regaining the ability to drive represents a significant milestone toward independence. Whether you rely on driving for work, daily activities, or social connections, understanding when you can safely return to the driver's seat is a common concern.

The timing for resuming driving after knee replacement surgery varies between individuals and depends on several factors, including which knee was operated on, the type of vehicle you drive, and your overall recovery progress. This guide provides evidence-based information on when and how to safely return to driving after knee replacement surgery.

The UK does not have specific legal requirements dictating exactly when you can drive after knee replacement. Instead, the decision is based on functional ability and safety considerations:

Right vs. Left Knee Considerations

The knee that was operated on significantly affects driving timelines:

• Right knee replacement: Typically requires longer before resuming driving (6-8 weeks) as this leg controls the accelerator and brake in standard vehicles
• Left knee replacement: Often allows earlier return (2-4 weeks) in automatic vehicles, as the left leg is less critical for driving functions
• Bilateral (both knees) replacement: Usually requires the longest recovery period before driving (8-12 weeks)

Vehicle Type Considerations

Your vehicle's transmission type impacts when you can safely drive:

• Manual transmission: Requires functional use of both legs, typically extending the non-driving period
• Automatic transmission: May allow earlier return, especially after left knee replacement
• Adapted vehicles: Cars with hand controls may enable driving sooner following consultation with your healthcare team

Before returning to driving, you must be able to:

Functional Requirements

• Bend your knee sufficiently: Typically at least 90 degrees of knee flexion
• React quickly in emergencies: Perform an emergency stop without hesitation
• Enter and exit the vehicle safely: Without assistance or undue pain
• Maintain focus: Drive without distraction from pain or discomfort
• Tolerate sitting position: Comfortably remain seated for the duration of journeys

Medication Considerations

• Reduced pain medication: Particularly opioid painkillers that cause drowsiness or impair reaction time
• Stable medication regime: Predictable effects without significant side effects
• Legal considerations: Driving while impaired by medication can invalidate insurance and be legally prohibited

Many surgeons and physical therapists recommend a simple self-assessment:

How to Perform the Test

1. Sit in the driver's seat of your parked car (engine off)
2. Check you can comfortably operate all controls
3. Practice moving your foot quickly from accelerator to brake
4. Assess whether you can apply sufficient pressure to the brake pedal
5. Evaluate if these movements cause pain that would distract you while driving

If you can perform these actions comfortably and confidently, you may be ready to resume driving, subject to your surgeon's advice.

Understanding the legal and insurance aspects is essential:

DVLA Requirements

• No specific DVLA notification required: Knee replacement surgery alone doesn't require notification to the DVLA
• Temporary conditions: No need to inform DVLA if recovery is expected within 3 months
• Permanent limitations: If long-term mobility issues develop, you may need to notify the DVLA

Insurance Considerations

• Inform your insurer: Many policies require notification of surgery
• Medical clearance: Some insurers require confirmation from your surgeon
• Documentation: Keep records of your surgeon's approval to drive
• Policy terms: Failure to comply with policy requirements could invalidate your insurance

A phased approach to resuming driving is recommended:

Initial Driving Sessions

• Short, familiar routes: Begin with 10-15 minute drives on familiar roads
• Daylight hours: Avoid challenging night driving initially
• Good weather conditions: Postpone driving in adverse weather
• Quiet periods: Avoid rush hour or high-stress driving situations
• Accompanied drives: Consider having someone with you for the first few journeys

Building Confidence and Endurance

• Gradually increase distance: Extend driving time as comfort and confidence improve
• Incorporate more challenging conditions: Progressively include different road types
• Return to normal driving patterns: Typically achieved by 3 months post-surgery for most patients
• Monitor for post-driving pain or swelling: Adjust your progression accordingly

Several adaptations can make driving more comfortable during recovery:

Vehicle Adjustments

• Seat position: Adjust to allow maximum leg comfort
• Cushioning: Consider a small cushion to raise your sitting position if needed
• Steering wheel position: Ensure it doesn't interfere with leg movement
• Seat back angle: Slightly more reclined position may reduce knee flexion
• Additional mirrors: May help reduce the need for excessive twisting

Comfort Measures

• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes that don't restrict movement
• Timing: Plan journeys when your pain and stiffness are typically lowest
• Breaks: For longer journeys, schedule regular stops to move and stretch
• Medication: Time pain medication appropriately (balancing pain control with alertness)
• Temperature: Use climate control to maintain comfortable temperature for your knee

Most patients can expect to resume driving between 4-8 weeks after knee replacement surgery, with the timeline dependent on which knee was operated on, vehicle type, and individual recovery progress. The key determinant is functional ability—being able to control the vehicle safely and confidently perform an emergency stop if needed.

Always follow your surgeon's specific guidance regarding driving, as they can provide personalised advice based on your procedure and recovery progress. Never drive while taking medications that impair your concentration or reaction time, and consider informing your insurance company before resuming driving.

By taking a gradual, cautious approach to returning to driving, you can safely regain this important aspect of independence while protecting your knee replacement and ensuring road safety for yourself and others.

If you have specific concerns about your return to driving after knee replacement, our healthcare provider marketplace can connect you with specialist orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists who can provide personalised assessment and advice.