The ability to drive after hip replacement surgery depends on several factors, including which leg was operated on, your overall recovery progress, and your surgeon's recommendations. If the surgery was on your right hip, you may need to wait longer before driving since this leg operates the gas and brake pedals. Most patients can resume driving within 4 – 6 weeks, but you must be no longer taking narcotic pain medications, can sit comfortably, and can react quickly in case of an emergency. Always get clearance from your surgeon before getting back behind the wheel.