If you have recently experienced a traumatic brain injury, which can be referred to as a TBI, you were probably upset that your license to drive was suspended or revoked. Fortunately, it is possible for many drivers who have fully recovered from a TBI to regain their driving privileges, but doing so will usually involve participating in a driver's education program that is geared toward the special needs of TBI survivors. Therefore, when you are ready to regain your independence and quit waiting for the bus for all of your errands, it is a good idea to be aware of the following information.

Your Physician Will Need To Clear You Medically Before You Apply To Drive Again

It is often surprising to learn that when a patient receives a traumatic brain injury, it is often the treating physician or one of his staff members who informs the state of the unfortunate situation. Since that will almost always prompt the suspension of your driver's license, it is necessary for that doctor or another one who is overseeing your care to report that the deficits to your driving skills are no longer problematic.

Although you should verify the laws in your state, your physician will probably need to fill out specific forms that verify that each problem that impacted your driving has been addressed. In general, patients wait a minimum of six months after their injury before regaining their driving privileges.

Reasonable Modifications To Your Driving Habits Are Often Necessary

Recent statistics have confirmed that at least 40% of people with a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury will eventually be able to safely return to driving. However, you may find that modifying the way that you drive, the routes that you take around town and even the time of day that you are behind the wheel can make you a safer driver. For instance, many traumatic brain injuries result in some vision loss and reduced reaction times. While those deficits might not be a problem during the day, it could easily pose a risk when the sun goes down.

If you are not sure as to whether or not driving at night is a good choice, it might behoove you to sign up for a driver's education class that occurs at night. By doing so, you will undoubtedly spend time behind the wheel after the sun goes down, under the supervision of the driving instructor. That will allow you to hone your night-time driving skills and your instructor will be able to provide you a professional opinion as to whether or not you should plan to drive at night.

You Should Re-learn Or Hone Your Driving Skills With Professionals

When you have that information, you should plan to further establish to the state that your driving skills are once again acceptable by enrolling in a driving class for people recovering from health problems similar to your own. If that is not available in your area, a class for senior citizens might be a good substitute, since those classes will often spend extra time discussing new ways to safely drive when there are physical challenges.

In conclusion, the trauma associated with a traumatic brain injury causes many affected individuals to lose their right to drive. If you are ready to drive again, the information provided above will explain the pertinent facts about doing so. Contact a company like Morgan School Of Driving Inc for more information.