Driving must be avoided for a period of time after many foot surgeries.  Driving is an activity where safety is paramount so any activity that effects the safe operation of the vehicle should be avoided.  Therefore it is critical that patients NOT drive right after a major surgery.  Patients who undergo surgery on their right foot or patients who have a manual transmission will have to avoid driving for a prolonged period of time.  For major surgery such as an ankle fracture this is often 10 weeks or more.  Patients should not return to driving until they have been cleared by their surgeon. Once comfortable, patients should ease back into driving, and if driving skills are of a concern after surgery, a driving class should be considered. Patients should never drive with a walking boot or any other device that restricts their motion.