Driving with Dizziness is Against the Law
The one important thing to remember about driving after vertigo treatment is that first and foremost, the law restricts people who are subject to vertigo attacks from driving. I suggest you talk to your doctor and review the laws wherever you live, to find out what the rules are about driving after you have been treated for vertigo.
If you are dizzy at all or recovering from a vertigo attack, then driving should be avoided.
Don’t ever drive if you are too dizzy because you or someone else could get seriously injured.
If you get dizzy while driving, you should pull over to the side of the road and call someone for help.
Alternative Options
Another option in lieu of driving after vertigo treatment is to get a ride with a friend or family. You can also take a cab, use a ride-share app, or use public transportation if you cannot find a ride.
There are always risks involved in riding with strangers especially when you are not feeling 100%. The best scenario is when someone you know and trust can drive you.
Precautions and Tips
Many patients who I treat for BPPV ask me what they should do when they are feeling recovered and they want to begin to drive again. The discussion about driving comes up with most of my patients after they have successfully recovered from vertigo.
I advise them on these tips that I have gathered over the years as my patients have resumed driving after vertigo treatment is completed.
The First Trip After Vertigo is Resolved
If you’ve had successful treatment for vertigo and you have gotten clearance from your healthcare provider, you may be ready to resume driving after vertigo treatment.
I do not recommend driving right after vertigo treatment because I have heard of patients getting into car accidents on the way home from a Vestibular physical therapy session.
That is one of the reasons I offer house calls for my patients. Once my patients have completed their vertigo treatments, they may feel fine the next day and are ready to drive.
I always advise my patients to watch out for two specific things that commonly cause problems with driving after vertigo treatment.
Things to Remember When Driving after Vertigo Treatment is Completed
Caution: Stop Signs
The first thing to be cautious about is looking side to side quickly while at a stop sign. The best thing is to move your head slowly from side to side while at a stop sign. That way you can be sure that the side to side motion is not making you dizzy.
If looking side to side at stop signs is making you dizzy, then chances are you should not be behind the wheel. You will most likely need another session of Vestibular Physical Therapy.
Caution: Checking your Blind Spot
The second thing to be cautious of when driving after vertigo treatment is when you’re changing lanes. You have to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. You must be sure that quick turns to look over your shoulder and back are not making you dizzy.
If checking your blind spot is making you dizzy, then chances are you should not be driving. You will likely benefit from another session of Vestibular Physical Therapy.
I always give my patients two additional tips.
Tip: Set up Your Mirrors
I always suggest for people to set up their mirrors very well to minimize head movements while driving. The side mirrors and the rearview mirror must be adjusted for maximum visibility. Make sure you use your mirrors very efficiently, so you can keep your head mostly still.
Tip: Use your GPS
One final thing that is helpful when driving after vertigo treatment is to go ahead and set your GPS. Even if you’re going somewhere that you all the time, using your GPS can help just in case you get a little bit scared or space out. That will reduce your stress knowing that your GPS is guiding you.
The decision to drive after recovering from vertigo is a very important and serious decision. Be sure to consult with your healthcare providers to get cleared before getting behind the wheel.
Roads to Avoid
Certain roads can be more difficult than others for people who have recently recovered from vertigo.
Avoid roads that have no shoulder to pull over, if you start to feel dizzy.
For example, a single lane road with only a guard rail along the edge of a lake and no shoulder is not a good choice for your route.
Avoid driving on mountain passes and switchbacks along the side of mountains. The large expansive landscape without visual vertigo reference points like signs and buildings can be disorienting.
Avoid Distractions
You must concentrate for your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Avoid all distractions while driving, such as checking your phone or eating.
Avoid tipping your head back to take a sip of a drink as this head motion could trigger residual vertigo.
If you need to take a drink of water, use a water bottle that allows you to sip with your head level. Only take a sip while your vehicle is fully stopped at a light or stop sign, and never while you are in motion.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
Dr. Bell, Your site has a wealth of information. As a sufferer of vertigo for more than 30 years now…Thank you.
I discovered that I have severe case of vertigo since 2001 and been taking medicine for it to keep my balance and from getting dizzy.
The doctors say I can only drive if it is an emergency while someone else is in the car just in case I have an attack.
Just wanted to say thank you for for putting this out there so people can see that it is illegal to drive dizzy (like drinking drunk) and don’t need to hurt anyone.
My daughter has some of the signs and possible symptoms of vertigo but she is the main driver. I am disabled and can’t drive anymore. What precautions should she take before driving?
Hi Debra,
I am sorry to hear what you and your daughter are going through!
I always suggest reporting all new signs and symptoms to the primary care provider, which is the GP or general practitioner.
You can also use this blog to search for providers who specialize in vertigo, which is called vestibular care.
I have had these episodes for 6 years. They only happen for a relatively short time in the morning. Never had one in afternoon. Been to so many drs that have no idea. Cleared by neurologist, cardiologist doesn’t seem to think very serious. My husband drives me anywhere in am. Not every day, long
Hi Colleen,
I’m sorry to hear this has gone on for so long!
Have you seen this blog?
You can look for a vestibular provider to evaluate you using this article.
I hope you get answers and find relief soon!
Best wishes!
I am going through my first experience with vertigo, and wow, it is horrible! I am 38 year old healthy female and the Urgent Care doctor does not know what caused it (my ears looked great, no fluid or infection) and I haven’t been recently sick or had a head injury. I am on day nine now and can work and walk around but still spinning like crazy. I am a very active person and having a hard time not getting back to my routine. My question is… will/would pushing myself with light workouts or trying to golf etc. again make this last longer or make it worse?
Your article and tips on when to drive again were SO helpful and will help me decide when I feel good enough for that without putting anyone in danger.
Hi Ali,
Yes vertigo is horrible!
Whether to push yourself or not depends on the root cause.
As far as I understand, you still do not know the root cause.
You can search for a vertigo doctor in your area using this blog.
That may be beneficial to determine the root cause and then you can receive individual medical advice about your activity level.
You can use this blog to write up a case summary to share with your provider.
This blog has home remedies that may help.
Best wishes!
I had a spell yesterday evening off and on for a few hours, and felt nauseous till 3am when I finally fell asleep. I’m supposed to drive two hours later this afternoon for a twelve hour overnight shift for work. And drive back home in the morning for my day job (overnight shift is overtime, day job is remote from home). While I feel okay today this information is guiding me to calling out for the shift tonight, especially since I didn’t get treatment last night. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Emily,
I’m sorry to hear what you are going through!
This article is specifically regarding the return to driving for patients who have been unable to drive and have sought professional health care for treatment of vertigo, usually with vestibular PT.
Some patients with vertigo have been unable to drive until the vestibular PT is completed, while other patients have not had difficulty driving since their vertigo started.
Some causes of vertigo require professional health care like vestibular PT to resolve. Whereas, other causes of vertigo spells such as vestibular migraine may resolve on their own without affecting the ability to drive after the episode subsides.
For individual medical advice on whether it’s safe for you to drive, I suggest you contact your primary care provider.
That really depends on the root cause of your vertigo and nausea symptoms.
You can find a vertigo doctor using the article on this website called “How to Find a Vertigo Doctor in Your Area,” which you can find here.
A vertigo doctor or vestibular PT can help you determine the root cause of your discomfort and therefore the best treatment plan.
I’m glad you are feeling better today!