Basic Driving Tips After an Amputation

If you're a new amputee, you may be wondering if you can still d rive post-amputation. The good news is: Yes, you can. People with any level of lower- or upper-limb amputation can go back to doing the things they enjoyed pre-amputation, including running and cycling , albeit modified.

Reminders before driving
Depending on the condition of your residual limb and prosthesis, you may need to modify your car's setup, as well as consider driving an automatic transmission for safe and comfortable driving. If you own a vehicle that has a manual transmission, driving with a prosthesis is still possible. However, before you start re-learning how to drive, we highly recommend consulting your prosthetist, primary care doctor, and physical therapist, all of whom can determine if you are ready, as well as direct you in finding the appropriate equipment. They are also the best sources of advice on which car modifications are best for your situation.
As for the legalities, you will need to update your information and report your amputee life to your state's driving license office. They will tell you what the next steps are to continue to drive legally. Often, this step requires r etaking your license exam and placing an additional endorsement on your license.
Driving with an upper-limb amputation
Above- or Below-Elbow Amputation – Single Arm
You may add a steering knob for better one-hand control. Depending on which arm has experienced an amputation, you may also need to modify your dashboard controls for easy access to the headlights, turn signals, and wipers.
Bilateral Upper Limb Amputation - Full or Partial
A foot steering system may be the best system for you. It allows you to control steering, as well as activate the dashboard functions using just one foot.
Partial Hand Amputation
The extent of your injury will determine how to modify your car best. You may be able to control the vehicle as you normally would or with minor modifications using your residual limb or prosthesis. However, if your grip is compromised, or you find steering the wheel and using the dashboard difficult, consult your healthcare team to find out which modifications suit you.
Driving with a lower-limb amputation
Bilateral Lower Limb Amputation – Full or Partial
Driving your car using special hand controls is best for your situation. There are also different setups and models available. Often, this setup requires a lever for your left arm to control braking and accelerating, as well as a steering knob for one-hand steering.
Above- or Below-Knee Amputation – Right Leg
You can have your car specially modified and have the accelerator pedal put on the left side of the brake. Another option is to use special hand controls as recommended above for those with bilateral lower-limb amputations.
Above- or Below-Knee Amputation – Left Leg
In this case, you can still drive a standard automatic car using your right leg.
Just like other modified activities, learning to drive again as an amputee takes time and patience. Be patient with yourself, and you will soon regain your independence on the road.
How do you drive your car? What modifications did you implement? Please share your experiences with the rest of the community in the comments section below.

Copy to Clipboard
Read This Next
41-Year-Old Mom Walks for the First Time After Losing All Four Limbs to Sepsis
10-Year-Old Boy Excited to Play Golf with New Prosthetic Arm
Ultrasound Tech Can Help People with Upper-Limb Loss
Adaptive Athlete Tests Para Speed Skating Prototype Developed in Colorado
New MIT Method Uses Light to Control Muscles, Potentially Solving Prosthesis Issues
Some SoCal Beaches Take Steps to Accommodate Individuals with Disabilities
14-Year-Old Below-Knee Prosthesis User Defies Odds, Dominates in Three Sports
First Triple Amputee to Scale Everest Base Camp Credits Success to Good Mental Health
MMA Fighters Make History in Australia’s First-Ever Amputee Cage Fight
Osseointegration Gives Woman With Above-Knee Limb Loss a New Lease on Life
Coping With Pain After Limb Loss: Insights for Combat Veterans
Is A Motor-Driven Adaptive Prosthetic Socket Better for Below Knee Limb Loss?
Double Amputee Firefighter Fights for Better Disability Inclusion
Man With Double Leg Amputation Emphasizes Importance of Support Groups
Shriners Prosthetist To Compete in 2024 Paralympics
This Universal Controller Could Speed Up Adoption of Robotic Prostheses, Exoskeletons
How People With Lower-Limb Loss Can Improve Gait Through Exercise
Western Mass. Lab Simplifies Access to Cutting-Edge Prosthetics
Bill Introduced to Protect Medicare Beneficiaries’ Access to Orthotics, Prosthetics
Western New York Man Still Adapting Two Years After Limb Loss
How Prosthetic Ankle Stiffness Affects Balance and Gait
The Cerebellum of the Brain May Aid in Guiding Prosthetic Limbs
After Losing Her Leg to a Shark, a 73-Year-Old Scuba Diver Bravely Returns to the Water
could help improve pain after lower limb loss." />Improve Quality of Life Through Targeted Muscle Reinnervation After Lower Limb Loss
NJ Bill Proposes Insurance Coverage for Athletes’ Artificial Limbs, but Some Feel Excluded
These Electronic Socks Help Prevent Foot Complications in People With Diabetes
51-year-old Plays Baseball Again After Limb Loss
What Causes Balance Issues in Lower Limb Amputees?
This Curler Uses A Prosthetic Arm on the Ice
Combining Art and Science: Inside a Prosthetist’s Workshop
Discover the Benefits of Adding a Therapeutic Liner to Your Daily Routine
Chicago Lab at the Forefront of Developing Next-Gen Bionic Limbs
The Impact of Microaggression on Limb Loss Healthcare
An AI-Based Socket for Above-Knee Amputees
Why Acknowledging Your Successes Unlocks Your Potential
Finding Hope in a Dark Tunnel: A Reflection
Smart Shower Startup, Showee, Brings Accessibility to the Forefront
Simple Strategies to Get Healthier Starting This Month
Over 5.6M People Live with Limb Loss and Limb Difference in the US—study
Travel Agency Wheel the World Makes Traveling Accessible
Next Gen Prostheses Use Biomimetic Signals to Improve Brain-Prosthesis Connection
How to Find Motivation When You’re Depressed
Against All Odds, Young Boy Shines Brightly
to improve postural control in people with traumatic below-knee amputation." />How to Improve Postural Control and Balance in People With Traumatic Below-Knee Amputation
Nurse Challenges Navy Regulations Discriminating Against Disabled People
Challenging Weight Prejudice in the Healthcare System
How to Handle Someone With A Narcissistic Personality
How to Talk to Your Healthcare Team About Chronic Pain
Researchers Develop Technology that Controls Robotic Prosthetic Legs Better
Man Overcomes Double Amputation Challenges, Returns to Work