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Patient Questions  /  Driving after joint replacement

Bone Health & Surgery

When Can I Drive After a Knee or Hip Replacement?

Only when your surgeon says it's OK. There's no fixed date. It depends on which leg was operated on, whether you're off narcotic pain medicine, and whether you can brake quickly and firmly. Some people are cleared within weeks, others take longer.

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What your surgeon considers

  • Which leg. Your right leg works the gas and brake, so a right knee or hip usually takes longer than a left one if you drive an automatic.
  • Pain medicine. You shouldn't drive while taking narcotic (opioid) pain medicine, which slows your reactions.
  • Braking. You need to move your foot from gas to brake fast and press hard in an emergency.
  • Getting in and out. You need to get in and out of the car, sit comfortably, and turn to check traffic.
  • Any movement limits your surgeon has given you, such as hip precautions.

Getting ready to drive again

  • Keep up with your physical therapy. Leg strength, knee or hip motion and reaction speed all improve with rehab.
  • Practice getting in and out of the passenger seat: back up to the seat, sit down, then swing your legs in together.
  • When you're cleared, start with short, quiet trips at a calm time of day, with someone along if possible.

Even if you feel ready, wait for your surgeon's OK. Riding as a passenger is usually fine sooner. On longer trips, stop every so often to stand up and walk around.

When to see a doctor

Call your surgeon or get medical care promptly if you have:

  • Pain, swelling or warmth in your calf, which needs urgent attention
  • Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath: call 911
  • Fever, or redness, drainage or opening at the incision
  • A sudden increase in pain, or you can't put weight on the leg

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist rebuilds the strength, motion and control you need for everyday tasks like driving, and can share your progress with your surgeon to help them decide when you're ready.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Knee and hip replacement rehab →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026