Driving after major lower limb loss brochure

Driving can be an important part of daily life. The benefits of being able to drive come with the responsibility to be able to drive safely. Major limb loss can affect your ability to drive safely. 

This brochure can guide your return to driving following major lower limb amputation. The generic information relates to ‘private standards’ of driving, and not ‘commercial standards’. 

Individual circumstances can impact on a person’s fitness to drive.

What you need to know

• You are responsible to notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (Tasmanian Government) following amputation surgery
• When and how to begin the process for return to driving
• Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment
• Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment
• What happens if you do not follow the medical advice
• Other transport options

Notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles following surgery

You are legally responsible to notify relevant state or territory authorities of any health conditions which impact your ability to drive. All states and territories in Australia have relevant laws. Notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Tasmania. The healthcare team can assist you with this during your hospital stay if needed.

When and how to begin the process for return to driving

Once you are independent moving around in the community you may consider a return to driving. Your doctor will undertake a Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment.

Medical fitness to drive assessment

Your doctor will complete the Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment. This identifies the impact the loss of your limb and any medical conditions may have on driving. You may also need a medical specialist assessment, occupational therapy driver assessment, and practical driver testing.

Occupational therapy driver assessment

This is a specialised occupational therapy assessment. It has two parts. The first part assesses any difficulties that may affect your ability to drive. The second part is a practical ‘on road’ driving assessment. 

A prosthetic limb has fixed ankle and foot positions. As the ankle and foot cannot move the prosthesis may catch under the dashboard and foot pedals. A prosthetic limb cannot replace the lost sensation and awareness of your ankle and foot. These limitations make it more difficult to operate your vehicle foot pedals. 

Recommendations from the assessment may be:

• Return to driving unrestricted.
• Return to driving with licence restrictions such as
  • drive an automatic vehicle
  • drive a modified vehicle.
• Complete driving lessons with a driver instructor before a driving licence re-test.
• Licence cancellation

A report is sent to the Tasmanian Government Department of State Growth (Licensing) and the referring doctor.

What happens if you do not follow the medical advice

If you drive without medical clearance, you are not fulfilling your legal responsibility. If you are involved in an accident your insurer will not cover you. You may be criminally liable.

Other transport options

Discuss other transports options available to you with your health care team.

Find out more information about lower limb amputation