Driving With a Broken Arm - Is It Legal?

It’s a common question from drivers: “Can I drive with a broken arm?”

If you or someone you know has suffered an arm injury and you want to know if it's legal to drive with a broken arm, particularly while wearing a cast, this article will answer the question.

Let’s look at the facts.

Is it Legal To Drive With a Broken Arm?

Driving with a broken arm can be a challenge, and it's important to consider your safety and the safety of others on the road. 

Whilst there’s no specific law to say you can’t drive after a broken wrist or arm, it doesn’t mean you can’t be pulled over and fined by police, as you may not be  in total control of your vehicle.

Can You Drive With A Broken Arm? If A Doctor Says No, You Can’t!

If your doctor says you can’t drive with a hand, wrist, or arm injury, then you legally cannot get behind the wheel.

This also goes for driving after a fractured humerus, leg, or any other bone in your body.

In some cases, the police will want to see paperwork signed by your doctor to say that driving is acceptable.

However, if a doctor gives you the all-clear to drive, then it’s fine.

But remember, you must keep both hands on the wheel at all times in Australia when driving, except when indicating or changing gears. 

So if you’re unable to use both hands effectively as you normally would, then don’t drive. This is particularly important if you’re driving a manual car. 

One ineffective hand due to injury is far too dangerous for you and other motorists.

Again, check with your doctor before driving—they have the final say.  

Driving With An Injury Is Dangerous

As a motorist, you’re also expected to use some common sense for yourself and your fellow motorists—does your broken arm mean your reaction time is slowed? 

Does your pain make it difficult to focus while driving? 

Is the wheel hard for you to grasp while wearing a cast?

Ask yourself these questions ahead of driving and seek alternative transport—either public or from a friend or family member—if the answer to any of them is yes.

What Your State Says About Driving With A Cast 

In New South Wales, a doctor needs to give your injury the all-clear before you drive.

In Victoria, the same rules tend to apply—the decision lies with a doctor as opposed to the police in your state. 

Not all states have strong guidance or requirements on this topic, so ask your doctor before planning on getting behind the wheel.

Remember, this EzLicence blog is not definite legal advice, and you should check with your doctor and/or a legal professional before driving with a broken arm.

Driving With A Cast On Your Wrist Isn’t Sensible

We’ve established that driving with a cast on your arm is not illegal, but not always recommended.

Thinking about it logically, you may find it difficult to control the steering wheel, shift gears, or operate the handbrake with one arm. 

Also, you wouldn’t want to be responsible for injuring someone on the road because you’re not at your best driving with a broken arm.

You should also keep in mind that some insurance policies may not cover you if you're involved in an accident while driving with a broken arm. 

And if you directly cause an accident, you may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from the crash. 

So not taking the risk of driving with a broken arm is a smart decision.

Learning To Drive With A Broken Arm

EzLicence, together with driving instructors on our platform, recommends you don’t drive with a broken arm to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.

It’s better that you wait for your arm to heal so you can get the most out of your driving lessons and not be distracted by any pain or hindrance a cast causes.

Learning to drive is challenging enough—we recommend you don’t make it any harder by driving with a broken arm!

Learning to Drive With EzLicence After Your Arm Heals

Once your arm heals, we’d love for you to experience just how easy we make driving lessons here at EzLicence.

We offer the ability to book flexible driving lessons that fit your schedule—and give you hundreds of tried and tested driving instructors to choose from!

So say goodbye to the hassle of searching for driving schools or instructors, we've done all the hard work for you.

To start driving lessons, you simply:

• Browse through a variety of verified instructors in your area
• Check out their ratings and reviews from real learners
• Book your lesson online with instant confirmation.

Plus, with our user-friendly online dashboard, managing your lesson schedule is easy. 

Your instructor picks you up from your chosen location, and you’re on your path to achieving your full licence!

Driving With A Broken Arm | Wrapping Up

So where does all this leave us?

While it's not illegal to drive with a broken arm, cast, or another injury, it's not recommended. 

Your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be your top priorities. 

If you must drive with an injury, you must get the all-clear from a doctor, and if you’re pulled over by the police, they may ask to see proof that you’ve been legally cleared by them to be driving with a broken arm. 

If you feel your ability to drive is hindered in any way by a broken arm, then simply use public transport or ask for a lift from a friend or family member.

Remember: Always follow your doctor's recommendations for healing and recovery.