‘Doctor, when can I drive?’: an update on the medico-legal aspects of driving following an injury or operation

In line with recent changes in UK legislation, we updated our position regarding the determination of fitness to drive. The responsibility for determining the fitness to drive of an individual now rests entirely with the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Previous work on this subject was reviewed, updated published documents were evaluated and a literature search on fitness to drive following an injury or operation was carried out. We should advise our patients to drive once they feel safe, but they should be careful during the earlier stages of rehabilitation. If in any doubt, the driver should contact the DVLA and take advice accordingly from their medical advisors.