Just a note to say I went for a driving assessment at North East Drive Mobility at Walkergate Hospital in Newcastle today which deals with neuro rehab. I self referred there. It is free through the NHS. I was not optimistic about returning to driving mainly due to my vision ( double vision due to third nerve palsy) but also lack of confidence due to the crash which resulted in my stroke (not my fault, hit by a car that had broken a red light travelling 90-120mph in a 30 zone). Had pretty much written driving off. Suggested to me that I contact the above and I got a late cancellation. They were excellent. No pressure to do anything, supportive, reassuring. Had some cognitive tests, checked I could read a number plate from a distance, checked my license and got me on an off road track. This was the first time behind a wheel in almost 11 months since my accident and resulting stroke. I felt ok, and we then went out on the road. Did the full assessment and they have said I am safe to drive as long as I patch my affected eye to prevent double vision. They will provide me with a report that I need to send on to DVLA and declare that I have done that to insurance. Managed a manual car but they have automatics available and didn’t need any adaptations. Need to process this change in fortunes before planning the next stage. Could think about buying a car but dread to think what the insurance would be given no liability admitted by the other side yet as the coroners inquest will not take place until October, and I have had a stroke/ brain injury with vision affected. Independence is beckoning and it is so tempting.
Just wanted to let people know this service exists as I had a very positive experience with it. Julia
@JuliaH wow Julia that’s amazing and well done in your determination to drive again. Great accomplishment, I have only drove about 6 times I’m happy to be driven about. I think I’ve lost some of my confidence.
Thanks for sharing as it’s encouraging for us all 
best wishes Loraine
Fantastic news Julia, woohoo good for you and thanks for sharing the info about the service
That’s good news @JuliaH , Hopefully it will give you confidence & independence.
I drive but not asuch as before (hybrid so automatic thankfully) and definitely find the extra concentration post stroke makes me tired.
I used to be a very confident driver and it was completely natural and without thinking but now post stroke it’s like everything else, walking, eating etc. requires much more concentration.
It sounds like a horrible experience you had with the crash but I hope you will be able to get back on the road again.
Good luck.
Mark
@JuliaH that sounds really positive. Glad it went well for you. Another step on the independence ladder. 
Well done in passing the driving assessment think about driving an automatic I’ve always driving a manual been advised to switch to automatic after having 4 tia had a weak leg before tia my legs go into a spasm without warning has happened while driving test drive an automatic car looking into getting one but have to have a small car found it easier to drive compared to a maual
Thanks @Gillian_21. Open minded about manual v automatic, always had a manual but have driven an automatic. Still probably a long way off but at least an option now, Julia x