Hi, this is my first post. I had a mild stroke eleven months ago.My mobility (when I,m not tired is not too bad ,if a bit slow) I,m independant mostly apart from driving .Then I rely on my husband. I haven,t yet got the courage to get in the car myself and drive .However I have done a few local journeys with husband.I think that,s what,s getting me down.I just thought someone on here might have had a similar problem and overcome it.
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When you realise, stroke or no stroke, that you are sat at the driving wheel whether you go forwards, backwards, or sit where you are with brakes on is entirely up to you.
Go safely, but don’t give up.
Remember, there are others just like you.
You could try setting an example of how to do things.
keep on keepin’ on
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Hi @Gorrie and welcome to the forum. And yes, I had the very same experience getting back into driving after my stroke. I got my licence back a year after the stroke, but then it was still several months before I drove because I knew I my brain still wasn’t ready for that, even if the experts said I was.
When I did get back into driving, much like yourself, it was only with my hubby beside me. After several months, I started venturing out alone, again like you, just short trips locally to the shops and the likes. Also, because my hubby works, if I wanted to go anywhere during the day I’d have to go it alone. And I wanted to go to Strength & Balance class locally, I also wanted to start going to the gym.
So if I was going to do those things, I had to push myself to get behind the wheel more. So whenever I went to them I would never go direct from A to B and back again. I always found indirect routes to get there and back again so I was gradually building up my stamina for driving. And I always tried to detour on the way home by visiting the shops or park or whatever. Even when I’d just nip out to the local shops for something, I’d take loop a big loop around route rather than the shorter cut across route.
Again, this went on for some months before I ventured out for longer journeys and going much further. And still my confidence needed to be built more so it has taken a few years. I was never one for motorways anyway, and now I just avoid them like the plague because 6o miles an hour is my limit, and motorways are way too fast and too busy, particularly for my reading speed of motorway signage.
I can now do distance of about 30 miles, it takes about hour and a half and a combination of B roads and dual carriageways, but I do feel the mental fatigue of it afterwards.
I am 4 years post stroke, so about 2½ years of gradually relaxing and building up my confidence in driving again.
So, it can be done! If I can do it, anyone can! It’s just going to take you time, persistence and tenacity. And it encourages you to have places to go, things to do at times when your husband is just available to go with you.
But you will get there 
Lorraine
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Hi @Gorrie
Welcome to the community, I’m sorry to hear about your stroke. I’m pleased to hear you mobility isn’t too bad.
We do have a specific sub category on here for driving which may have some good advice in there. I’ve copied a link to one post below which may be helpful. You can also search the forum by using the 
in the top right hand corner.
First drive since stroke - Life after stroke / Driving - Stroke Association Online Community
I hope you’ll find some useful information and support here, there is a wealth of knowledge for you to tap into!
If you need anything whilst you’re using the Online Community, please don’t hesitate to tag me using the @ symbol and my username.
Anna
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@Gorrie Hi & welcome to the community. Sorry you’ve had cause to join us.
Driving after a stroke is a big deal for many. A lot of it is finding that confidence again and that takes time. I still drive very infrequently & usually with hubby in tow. Although I will take myself to local appointments when I need to. For me the biggest thing stooping me is the fatigue
You could start by just sitting in the car on your own, perhaps going with your hubby to somewhere quiet & then him getting out & you just drive a little without him but close enough he can hop in if you need him too. Then gradually build the distance/time up.
But probably the best way is to just do it. Don’t think about it & one day just get in & go. You might surprise yourself.
Good luck it will happen when you are ready.
Best wishes
Ann
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Thankyou for your advice .I am now giving myself a good taking to !!
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Emerald eyes,Thankyou very much for that. It is very ispirational! I,m sure I wil get there one day…?soon! (Fingers crossed!)
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You will get there!
I remember my physio saying, just a couple weeks after my stroke, that there was no reason why I couldn’t just sit in the driving seat to maintain the familiarity of being in that position and reaching for the pedals and switches etc.
It’s amazing how much you forget of those early months 4yrs on, until someone on here asks a question
You will get there!
Lorraine
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@Gorrie - Well done and welcome to the community!
Namaste|
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