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Driving with Drop Foot: Can You Drive Safely with Adaptations?

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Published at: October 22, 2024

Table of Contents

  1. Can You Drive with Foot Drop?

  2. Adaptations to Accommodate Driving with Drop Foot

    1. Left Foot Accelerators

    2. Motability Cars

    3. Hand Controls

    4. Pedal Extensions

    5. Foot Drop Braces

    6. Automatic Transmission

    7. Electronic Accelerators

Foot drop is a condition that prevents you from lifting the front parts of your feet fully. It can affect either or both of your feet. While foot drop can cause difficulties walking, it can also make it harder to drive, since you need to be able to push down on the pedals and lift up your feet to release them. This guide will go over safety considerations for driving with foot drop.

Can You Drive with Foot Drop?

In theory, yes, you can drive with foot drop. But whether or not that is true for your individual case may depend on whether you can pass a driving evaluation.

To be clear, you probably will not automatically lose your driver’s license. Though that is possible in some states after a stroke (one common cause of foot drop).

If you are assigned a driving evaluation, you can expect a medical review, a vision test, a test of your physical and cognitive abilities, and a driving test on the road.

It’s not safe to drive if your feet aren’t strong and confident. So, just keep in mind whether you are put through an evaluation or not, you should only get on the road if you are sure you can push down the pedals and release them reliably. 

Adaptations to Accommodate Driving with Drop Foot

A variety of adaptations can help people with foot drop to keep driving. These include left foot accelerators, motability cars, hand controls, pedal extensions, foot drop braces, automatic transmissions and electronic accelerators. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNWCi6K61e8 

Any adaptations you are using must be approved for driving, of course. Let’s lean more about each of these.

Left Foot Accelerators

This is what it sounds like: an accelerator that is positioned so that you can accelerate the car using your left foot instead of your right. It may help you if you have the foot drop in your right foot.

Motability Cars

Oct 22, 2024

This isn’t so much an adaptation as a benefit. But people ask about it with respect to foot drop. If you’re in the UK and are disabled, you may be able to apply for a “motability car,” and pay for it with the benefits you receive.


Hand Controls

Hand controls are long poles that function as extensions, connecting to your pedals. You can reach them with your hands comfortably, which allows you to operate the pedals using your hands to push and release them. 

Pedal Extensions

A pedal extension makes it easier to reach the pedal. Usually, these are used by shorter drivers. They might be helpful in some cases if you are short, and have to use more strength or flexibility than you currently have to operate the pedals, even if you could usually use them.

Foot Drop Braces

A foot drop brace can be worn to hold your foot at the correct angle so that it does not tend to flop downwards in front. You can wear it while you drive, walk, and do other daily activities.

Automatic Transmission

A vehicle with an automatic transmission simply is one without a stick shift, freeing up your hand to operate hand controls, if necessary.

Electronic Accelerators

This is a type of accelerator that fits on the steering wheel.

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FAQ

Can you drive a vehicle with a drop foot?

Not every person with foot drop can drive, but yes, many people with foot drop can drive with the right accommodations.

Can you drive with a drop foot brace?

Yes. A hinged foot drop brace can be helpful for driving.

Is foot drop considered a disability?

Foot drop is a common condition among older adults as well as people with certain health conditions, and can also result from injury or lifestyle habits. As it can handicap you in your day-to-day activities, yes, it can be considered a disability.

What is the disability rating for foot drop?

That depends on its severity. The VA foot drop scale assigns ratings from 10% to 40% for foot drop. Preventing foot drop can prevent significant disability. Sometimes, it even requires surgery.

Can you drive with a boot on your right foot?

While healing from foot drop with a boot on your right foot, doctors usually recommend not driving. But it may be possible with some of the adaptive devices we discussed.

Is it illegal to drive with only your left foot?

No. You just need to be able to operate your vehicle safely.

What else can help you drive with foot drop?

The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoe for men and women can make it easier to drive, walk, and do other activities with foot drop, thanks to its proprietary adaptive friction technology. Browse all of our shoes for foot drop.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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