Can You Drive with a Prosthetic Leg or Foot?

As with any illness, medical condition or disability that may affect your ability to drive, you must inform the DVLA if you’ve had a limb amputated. Failure to do so can land you a fine of up to £1,000, plus you may well be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.

There is a range of adaptations that make motoring easier for drivers who have had amputations. In most cases, it’s all down to just using the right technique. There is also a range of helpful equipment to assist you with stowing/carrying a wheelchair including hoists, wheelchair racks, trailers and ramps.

Whether you are learning to drive or returning to driving following an amputation, the DVLA will assess your fitness to drive and may ask you to have a medical examination or a driving assessment. You may be given a full or temporary licence that is valid for one, two or three years. You might be issued with a licence to drive an automatic vehicle or a car with specialist controls (which will be coded on your licence. Only in extreme cases will you be refused a licence following an amputation – but you can make an appeal if you do not agree with the DVLA’s decision.