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Driving

Last Updated:
14 Oct 2009
Review Due Date:
14 Apr 2010
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Introduction

The information in this section is about driving for people with epilepsy in the UK. It covers the rules for holding a driving licence and explains how the agencies that issue driving licences work. It also tells you what help with transport costs is available, if you can’t drive because of your epilepsy.

If you live outside the UK, you can find out about the driving law in your country by contacting your local epilepsy group.

Driving on motorway

Acknowledgements

Epilepsy Action would like to thank staff at DVLA and DVA for checking this information about driving and epilepsy.

Contents

Introduction

The driving agencies

UK driving regulations

How long will my driving licence last for?

Driving law relating to a first epileptic seizure/solitary seizure

Applying for a driving licence for the first time

Driving law relating to epilepsy

Driving rules for different types of seizures

Driving rules for provoked seizures

Why you should stop driving when you have had a seizure

Car insurance

Informing the driving agency that you have had a seizure

Can I ask the driving agency to review their decision?

Reapplying for your driving licence

Withdrawing and changing your anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)

Driving for a living

Help with travel costs

 

PDF Leaflet: 
Driving and epilepsy

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We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
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Comments

I haven't been diagnosed with epilepsy but when I'm driving past those white painted "hatched" areas between lanes on motorways , I find the flashing sensation unnerving and try to look away. I emailed the highways authority but received a dismissive email

Submitted by peter diet on 16 April, 2009 - 08:04.

If you do not qualify for a driving license because your epilepsy is not kept 100% under control by your medication or you have not had a seizure for the requisite number of years to qualify for a license you can get yourself:

- a free bus pass entitling you to free bus travel on public services (go to your local council offices or try your local council's website)

- A Disabled railcard, you cna buy this from train stations and they last a year and entitle you and 'a carer' (even if you don't require a carer you can use the discount for your travelling companion) to 1/3 off rail journeys in the UK.

Submitted by Hannah Dudley on 18 May, 2009 - 15:19.

This page is sure informative and there is a great deal of epilepsy knowledge here. Driving must be very difficult under this condition. It's good that there are regulations of having a drivers licence when you have this kind of illness. Lehti

Submitted by Lehti on 15 July, 2009 - 20:41.

I lost my licence in 1986. Immediately after my first fit, I phoned DVLA and gave up my licence. If anyone reading this has had a fit but thinking about not telling DVLA - please, please tell them. You are a danger to yourself, your passengers and anyone else on the road. If it is discovered you had a fit and didn't tell DVLA your insurance will be null and void as well.

I did finally get my licence back in 2004 but lived for 20 years without one - it is a hassle but you can learn to live without your car.

If you are reading this and know someone who has had a fit and is still driving - please stop them - it is for their own good!

Submitted by Alistair on 20 July, 2009 - 19:22.

I have only recently found out that I was entitled to a free bus pass and disabled persons rail card having being diagnosed with epilepsy around 6 years ago. I thought that the disabled persons rail card only entitled companions of travelers to travel for the 1/3 discount if holder of the card was blind and therefore actually needs to be escorted in some cases. Does the entitlement also apply to people with epilepsy and other qualifying conditions?

Submitted by Alistair D on 1 January, 2010 - 22:10.

heyyaa my ex boyfriend has epilepsy really bad he cant even go out to night clubs because he cant go near flashing lights because he will have a fit and it is a really bad thing when you cant go out and enjoy your self with his mates!!!

Submitted by stacy simmons on 19 January, 2010 - 10:44.

I had a fit about a year ago when i was 16 and was told i wouldnt be able to drive for a year after the fit. this one year is up next month but i have been researching into this and have found no information on this 1 year ban after a fit. it is only the one fit i have had, and would like to start driving? can anyone give me some information on driving with photosensitivity?

Submitted by Claire on 9 February, 2010 - 21:39.

If you have ever had epilepsy it is very irresponsible to even think of driving. You may kill or mame yourself if you like but you have no right to risk the life of others. Don't be so selfish. What would you think of someone else who killed your child / sister / brother / husband like that? Not much,a murderer, because they knew it was likeley to happen. Yes I am being blunt, death is.

Submitted by Mary Hassall on 23 February, 2010 - 18:19.