Driving after your procedure

You should speak to your doctor about when you can expect to drive after your operation or endoscopy. The below is general guidance and advice, and does not apply to all people in all circumstances.

You are not allowed to drive for 24 to 48 hours after a general anaesthetic or sedation. This is because the drugs you have been given may affect your reaction times and decision making. Therefore, you will need a responsible adult to pick you up from hospital after a procedure involving general anaesthetic or sedation.

After 48 hours, you should not drive if you are taking strong pain killers that can make you drowsy.

To resume driving, you need to be safe. This means you need to be able to wear a seatbelt comfortably. You also need to be able to make an emergency stop, and turn freely to check over both shoulders. If you can do these things without hesitation (for example, due to pain), you should be safe to drive. However, as insurance companies may have different terms and policy details, we also recommend that if you have had surgery, you should inform your insurance company that you have had an operation before you resume driving.

If you have any further questions, please speak to your doctor to check they are you happy you are fit to drive.

If you are not able to drive safely 3 months after an operation or procedure, you must tell the DVLA.