Driving in England, Scotland and Wales

The information in this section tells you the rules about epilepsy and driving in England, Scotland and Wales.

• Driving in Northern Ireland

Although the rules about driving and epilepsy may seem harsh, they are there for everyone’s safety. Seizures that happen when a person is driving are the most frequent medical cause of driving accidents that could be prevented.

Being able to drive is very important to many people, particularly in areas where public transport is poor. Not being allowed to drive can come as a bitter blow. Losing your licence can be particularly hard to accept if your job involves driving, or if other people rely on you for lifts to work or school.

Despite the challenges that losing a driving licence can bring, it is worth bearing in mind that many people with epilepsy do manage to get their seizures under control and get their driving licences back. Once you have met the criteria to be able to drive, you will be able to apply to drive again, safely and legally.

The rules are slightly different in England, Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland.

The accuracy of the information in this section of the website has been checked by Dr Heather Major, senior medical adviser at the DVLA, and Dr Tim Carter, chief medical adviser at the Department of Transport. Epilepsy Action would like to thank them for their help.