Get Well Soon

Helping you to make a speedy recovery after surgery for groin hernia repair

Driving

Normally, you should refrain from driving for at least 1 week after a hernia repair operation. You should be free from the distracting effect of pain or the sedative or other effects of any pain relief medication you are taking. You also need to be free of any physical restrictions due to your operation, be comfortable in the driving position and be able to safely control your car, including freely performing an emergency stop.

Your insurance company should be informed about your operation. Some companies will not insure drivers for a number of weeks after surgery, so it’s important to check what your policy says. Driving too soon may invalidate your insurance cover.

Driving - An exercise 

Before driving your car, you might want to test your fitness to drive. Do this in a safe place without putting the keys in the ignition: simply sit in the driving seat and practise putting firm pressure on the pedals. If you feel pain, driving at this time may be too early. If you feel sore afterwards, again, you may need to wait a day or two. Only when you can put enough pressure on the pedals to do an emergency stop – should you think about driving again.

It is advisable not to restart driving with a long journey.

Driving – Notifying the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

After hernia repair, you do not need to notify the DVLA. If you hold a Class 2 licence to drive a bus, coach or lorry, you will need to tell your doctor and follow his or her advice on when it is safe to re-commence driving. Higher medical standards are required for those holding a Class 2 licence, so for reasons of safety and comfort your doctor may advise you to delay driving for a little longer. You will also need to agree this with your employer. Check the DVLA website for further information.