When can I drive after surgery? – by Sean Fuller, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
One of the most common questions that we get in the clinic from our patients planning or post-surgery is, “When can I drive again?”
There is no single answer that applies to everyone. Your return to driving will depend on the type of surgery you have had, which side of your body was operated on, how well you are recovering, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
In Western Australia, there is no set waiting period after surgery before you can drive. Instead, you must have the capacity to safely control your vehicle at all times.
Before returning to driving, you should:
• Be cleared by your surgeon or treating doctor – we can give guidance to help them with this decision.
• No longer be taking medications that could affect your concentration or reaction time, such as strong opioid pain relief.
• Be able to comfortably and confidently control the steering wheel, pedals and gear stick (if driving a manual vehicle).
• Be able to perform an emergency stop and react quickly if needed.
• Have enough movement and strength to safely check mirrors and blind spots.
It is also a good idea to check with your motor vehicle insurer to ensure you meet any requirements relating to medical fitness to drive.
If you are unsure whether you are ready, your physiotherapist can assess your movement, strength and function, discuss the physical demands of driving, and help you make a safe plan for returning to the road.
Remember, getting back behind the wheel is not just about feeling better—it is about being able to drive safely for yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the road.
For more information on the national guidelines for safely returning to driving – follow this link AP-G56-22 | Austroads
Below is a general rule of timelines for common surgeries – Please note that these are not specific to your case and may vary (usually for the longer) based on your individual case. You MUST get clearance from your surgeon or treating doctor prior to returning to driving.
| Surgery | Typical return to driving (approximate) |
| Knee Arthroscopy(meniscectomy, loose body removal) | 1–2 weeks, provided the patient can safely perform an emergency stop. |
| ACL Reconstruction | Right knee: 4–6 weeks. Left knee (automatic vehicle): 2–3 weeks. May be longer depending on strength and control. |
| Total Knee Replacement | Right knee: 6–8 weeks. Left knee (automatic): 2–4 weeks. Manual vehicles often require longer. |
| Hip Replacement (anterior or posterior approach) | 4–6 weeks is common, although some patients may be ready sooner if cleared by their surgeon. |
| Rotator Cuff Repair | Usually after the sling has been discontinued and the patient can safely control the steering wheel—often around 6–8 weeks or longer. |
| Shoulder Stabilisation | Commonly 6–8 weeks or once out of the sling and able to safely control the vehicle. |
| Shoulder Replacement | Typically, 6–8 weeks, but this is highly variable based on your function. |
| Ankle Fracture (ORIF) | Right ankle: often 6–9 weeks or after weight bearing is permitted and strength has returned. Left ankle (automatic): 1-2 weeks if safe |
| Achilles Tendon Repair | Right ankle: Usually 8–10 weeks or when out of the boot and able to safely perform an emergency stop. Left ankle (automatic): 1-2 weeks if safe |
| Lumbar Discectomy | Often 2–4 weeks for short trips if comfortable and off opioid medication. |
| Lumbar Fusion | Commonly 6–12 weeks depending on the extent of surgery and surgeon advice. |
| Cervical Spine Surgery | Usually 2–6 weeks, but only once neck movement is sufficient for safe observation of traffic and blind spots. |
Still Unsure About Returning to Driving?
If you have questions about when it’s safe to drive after surgery, speak with one of our physiotherapists. We can assess your progress, answer your questions and work with your surgeon to help you return to driving safely and confidently.
