Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke and driving

​​You must stop driving straight away if you’ve had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke.

This includes amaurosis fugax or retinal artery fugax.

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

Car or motorcycle licence

You must stop driving for at least 1 month. You can restart only when your doctor tells you it is safe.

You do not need to tell DVLA if you had a TIA and have recovered.

You must tell DVLA if you still have any of the following after 1 month:

  • weakness in your arms or legs
  • problems with your eyesight – for example visual field loss or double vision
  • problems with balance, memory or understanding

You must also tell DVLA if:

  • you have had any type of seizure
  • you needed brain surgery
  • your doctor thinks you are not safe to drive

Report your condition online

You can also fill in form STR1 and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

Bus, coach or lorry licence

You must stop driving for at least one year. You can restart only when your doctor tells you it is safe.

You must tell DVLA if you had a TIA.

Fill in form STR1V and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form.

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