Can you drive after laser eye surgery?

If you're thinking about having laser eye surgery, one practical question comes up quickly: "How soon can I drive again?"

Driving is part of daily life for many of us—and getting back to normal is important. The good news is: you won't be off the road for long.

Can I drive straight after surgery?

No. You can’t drive yourself home on the day of your laser eye surgery.

Your eyes will be sensitive. You might feel groggy or light-sensitive. We strongly advise having someone else drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

When can I start driving again?

It depends on the procedure:

• LASIK: Most people can drive 1–2 days after surgery, once vision is clear and stable.
• LASEK and TransPRK: Expect to wait 3–7 days, as the surface of the eye takes longer to heal.

We’ll let you know at your follow-up appointment when you’re safe to drive again.

What are the DVLA rules?

In the UK, you must be able to meet the legal eyesight standard for driving:

• You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• Your vision must be at least 6/12 with both eyes open (with or without correction)

We’ll check your vision and tell you if you meet the legal standard before giving the green light to drive again.

What can affect your driving readiness?

• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity
• Dry eyes
• Glare or halos, especially at night

These are common in the first few days but improve quickly. If you experience them, avoid driving until you feel confident.

Tips for your first drive post-surgery

• Choose daylight hours
• Avoid busy roads or long distances
• Wear sunglasses to reduce glare
• Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry
• If you feel unsure, wait another day.

Safety comes first—even if your vision seems fine.

We’ll guide you every step

You won’t be left guessing. After your procedure, we:

• Check your vision thoroughly
• Give you personalised aftercare
• Confirm when it's safe to drive.

Want to know if you're a candidate for laser eye surgery?
Take the suitability self-test. It only takes a minute and could be the start of your journey to clearer vision.