How to Cope with Driving Restrictions for People with Epilepsy

Frustrating as the regulations can be, they are designed with safety in mind. Some people with epilepsy feel safe driving because they always get a warning of their attacks, or because they view their seizures as minor, where their consciousness is barely disturbed. However, this doesn't take into account the fact that epilepsy is a dynamic, not a static condition. Seizures can change their nature, sometimes from one week to the next, so that the warning disappears and the minor attacks become major ones. Also, even if attacks are 'minor', it can only take a second's loss of concentration to cause an accident.

However, if you feel that your seizures hardly merit the name, for example if they are confined to a few jerks in the morning, then you can apply for advice to the DVLA's medical unit. This is open to anyone who disagrees with a refusal to grant him or her a license because of epilepsy and the matter may be referred to a specialist for an informed, balanced decision to be made.

Again, you may feel that your attacks are not epileptic in nature and that there is nothing to stop you driving; in which case you may need to seek a further opinion. However, the driving regulations state that anyone with episodes of loss of consciousness (i.e. any condition that is likely to interfere with the ability to drive) should stop driving and contact the DVLA.

If you are not currently eligible for a license, you can ask your doctor to help you cope with your changed circumstances by writing a letter to your employer which can be used to back up a request for a change of job within the same company. The letter does not have to state that you have epilepsy, only that you are currently not able to drive for medical reasons, and not likely to be able to drive for some time. This has worked successfully for many people, though obviously it is more likely to be successful in a large, versatile company.

Another point which frequently concerns people is whether they should move house if they live in a rural area with little public transport. If your seizures seem likely to be easily controlled, then it may well be best to stay where you are and struggle through the inconvenience than uproot everyone - unless of course you want to move anyway. Ask your doctor for as much information as possible about the likelihood of seizure control so you can make an informed decision.

Source: Epilepsy edited by Arthur A. Ward