Stroke
Driving a vehicle in Alberta after a stroke
Can I drive a personal vehicle (Class 5, 6, or 7 licence) after a stroke?
After you have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), you cannot drive your vehicle for at least 30 days and you have seen your doctor or nurse practitioner and reviewed your fitness to drive.
In Alberta, the law states that you are required to report any medical condition, including stroke, that would affect your ability to drive. Your doctor or nurse practitioner is not required to report your stroke but can do so if you return to driving before it is safe.
Can I drive a commercial vehicle (Classes 1 to 4 licence) after a stroke?
You should not drive your commercial vehicle after having had a stroke. The same rules and law apply as above. You must get clearance from your doctor or nurse practitioner as well as the Driver Fitness and Monitoring branch before you drive your commercial vehicle again.
Will I ever be able to drive again?
The ability to drive again depends on whether the stroke has resulted in significant changes to your vision, thinking skills, and physical ability. Many people who have had a stroke can drive again. If you have had a complete recovery, or have minimal residual neurological lack of function after your stroke, you will be able to return to driving sooner.
When is it safe for me to start driving again?
After 30 days, and when you think you are ready to start driving again, you need to be medically cleared by a doctor or nurse practitioner before you start driving again. You may also need extra visual testing.
You may need to take extra driver testing if your doctor, therapist, or the Driver Fitness and Monitoring branch asks you to. There are 3 different tests you may need to take:
- functional assessment of driving (testing done in a clinic by an occupational therapist)
- comprehensive on-road evaluation (not a standard driving test)
- community-based road test (a standard driving test through a registry office)
How will having had a stroke affect my car insurance?
You will need to call your insurance company to find out how having had a stroke might affect your car insurance.? If you are not medically cleared for driving and you are in an accident, your insurance may not be valid.
What is the law in Alberta?
In Alberta, the law states that you are required to report any medical condition including stroke, that would affect your ability to drive to Alberta Transportation (Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch).
Learn how the Alberta Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch assesses and monitors whether you are medically fit to drive.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_stroke_driving_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: August 19, 2025
Author: Stroke Program, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
