When Can I Drive After Shoulder, Hip or Knee Surgery?

Losing the ability to drive is one of the most common concerns patients face after orthopaedic surgery. Regaining independence is important, but safety must always come first. Driving too soon after an operation can put you, your passengers, and others at risk. It also carries legal and insurance implications.

So when is it safe to return to the road after shoulder, hip, or knee surgery? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, your recovery progress, and state licensing requirements.

Why Driving Again Requires Careful Timing

Driving safely requires:

Good strength and coordination in the arms or legs, depending on which side was operated on.
Fast reaction times to brake suddenly if needed.
Clear thinking without the effects of pain medication.

If any of these are impaired, driving may not be safe. Beyond physical ability, there are also medico-legal risks: insurers may not cover you if you drive before you are cleared, and you could be liable if an accident occurs.

Shoulder Surgery and Driving

Recovery Timeline

For smaller procedures (such as arthroscopy or keyhole repairs), many patients regain enough function to drive within 2–4 weeks. Larger operations, like shoulder replacements or rotator cuff repairs, often require 6–8 weeks before it is safe to drive.

A key milestone is being out of a sling and able to control the steering wheel without pain. You should also be able to perform an emergency manoeuvre, such as quickly turning the wheel or braking, without hesitation.

Practical Safety Check

Before attempting to drive:

Sit in the driver’s seat and see if you can move the wheel smoothly.
Check if you can signal, change gears (if manual), and perform quick shoulder checks.
Make sure you are no longer taking opioid painkillers, which can slow your reflexes.

Hip Replacement and Driving

Right vs Left Side

Driving after hip replacement depends on which side was operated on:

Left hip replacement (automatic car) – Some patients may return in 2–3 weeks, as the left leg is not used for braking or accelerating.
Right hip replacement – Typically requires 4–6 weeks, since the right leg controls the pedals.

State Guidelines

Transport authorities in Australia generally require that drivers be medically fit to operate a vehicle. While there is no set law on waiting times, you must be able to demonstrate safe control of your car. If your doctor has advised you not to drive and you ignore this, your insurance may be invalid.

Evidence from Studies

Research has shown that brake reaction times often return to safe levels around 4–6 weeks post-hip replacement. However, recovery is highly individual. Some patients may take longer, especially if they experience stiffness or weakness.

Knee Surgery and Driving

Knee Replacement

Knee replacements typically require a break of 4–6 weeks before driving. This is because it takes time to rebuild muscle strength, coordination, and confidence in using the pedals.

Patients who undergo a right knee replacement usually need longer recovery before driving again compared with those who have surgery on the left side (in automatic vehicles).

Other Knee Procedures

Knee arthroscopy: Often allows return to driving within 1–2 weeks, depending on swelling and comfort.
ACL reconstruction: Generally 4–6 weeks, with surgeon approval.

Safety Test

Try pressing the brake pedal firmly in a stationary car. If you cannot generate enough force quickly, you are not ready to drive.

Medicolegal Considerations

Returning to driving is not only a medical decision but also a legal one.

State Licensing Requirements

In Australia, drivers must be medically fit. Transport authorities (such as VicRoads or Transport for NSW) can require a medical clearance if there are concerns about your ability to drive.
While there is no specific “law” for each type of surgery, the responsibility rests with you to ensure you are safe.

Insurance Implications

If you are involved in an accident while driving against medical advice, your insurer may decline your claim.
Always check with your doctor before resuming driving and keep documentation of their clearance.

Medication Use

Driving under the influence of sedatives or opioids is unsafe and can carry the same legal penalties as drink-driving.

A Patient-Centred Approach

No two recoveries are the same. Your age, general health, type of surgery, and confidence all play a role. While guidelines are useful, your surgeon’s advice should take priority.

Some practical tips:

Start with short trips on quiet roads or in car parks before tackling busy traffic.
Have a family member accompany you initially.
Listen to your body — if you feel hesitant, wait a little longer.

Summary: Driving After Common Surgeries

Shoulder arthroscopy – Usually safe to drive after 2–4 weeks, once the sling is off, pain is under control, and you are no longer taking opioid medications.
Rotator cuff repair – Most patients can return to driving after around 6 weeks, when shoulder movement and strength are sufficient for safe control.
Shoulder replacement – Typically requires 6–8 weeks before driving is safe. You should be able to steer, turn, and brake confidently without discomfort.
Left hip replacement (automatic cars) – Many patients can drive in 2–3 weeks, as the left leg is not required for braking or accelerating. Surgeon clearance is still essential.
Right hip replacement – Usually 4–6 weeks, as full control of the accelerator and brake pedals is critical for safety.
Knee replacement – On average, 4–6 weeks before safe driving. Brake reaction time and leg strength must be fully recovered.
Knee arthroscopy – Recovery is faster, often allowing driving in 1–2 weeks, provided pain and swelling are well controlled.
ACL reconstruction – Typically requires 4–6 weeks before returning to driving, once coordination and strength have returned.

Final Thoughts

Driving again after shoulder, hip, or knee surgery is a significant milestone in recovery. But rushing the process can put your health and safety at risk. The decision should be based on:

Your physical readiness (pain-free, strong, good reflexes)
Medical clearance from your surgeon
Awareness of legal and insurance implications

Always prioritise safety and take things step by step. Regaining independence is important, but your long-term recovery matters more.

FAQs: Driving After Orthopaedic Surgery

1. Can I drive if I’m still using a sling or crutches?

No. If you require a sling or crutches, you are unlikely to have the mobility or reflexes needed for safe driving. Wait until you are fully weight-bearing (for leg surgeries) or out of your sling (for shoulder surgeries).

2. Do I need a medical certificate to drive again?

In most cases, there is no formal requirement. However, if your licence status is questioned after an accident, having written clearance from your surgeon may protect you legally and with your insurer.

3. What if I only drive short distances?

Even short trips require quick reactions. If you cannot brake hard or turn the wheel suddenly without pain, you are not ready to drive, regardless of distance.

4. Can I drive while taking painkillers?

Driving under the influence of opioid medications or sedatives is unsafe and can carry legal consequences. Always wait until you are off strong pain relief before resuming driving.

5. Is recovery faster if I drive an automatic car?

Yes, in some cases. Patients with left-sided hip or knee surgery may return to driving earlier in automatic vehicles since the operated leg is not needed for pedals.