Driving after a hip replacement is commonly advised to wait about 6 weeks before resuming driving, with the exact timing depending on your recovery, comfort, and ability to perform an emergency stop safely. Some patients, especially those with automatic transmissions or left-sided hip procedures, may resume earlier if cleared by their surgeon or physiotherapist. Always verify guidance with your own medical team, as they can tailor advice to your specific surgery, pain control, and overall health. Key considerations
- Functional readiness: you should be able to comfortably operate both pedals and steer without pain or hesitation, and you should be confident in an emergency stop.
- Side of surgery and car type: left- vs right-hip surgery and automatic vs manual transmission can influence timing; some people resume sooner with automatic cars.
- Pain and medications: driving while still on narcotic pain meds or with significant groin/hip stiffness increases risk of falls or slow reaction times.
- Travel length: avoid long drives in the first 6 weeks; plan breaks if a longer trip is necessary.
What to do next
- Check with your surgeon or physical therapist for a personalized clearance date.
- Gradually test driving at low risk, starting in a quiet area to evaluate pedal reach, braking, and seat position.
- Consider a passenger trip first to gauge comfort and any signs of hip stiffness or pain.
If you’d like, share your surgery date, the side that was operated on, and whether you have an automatic or manual car, and your current pain level and mobility, and a more precise expectation can be provided based on typical guidelines.
