Transport

If you have had any type of seizure, including an aura sensation, you must stop driving immediately.  This is the case even if you are still waiting to be diagnosed with epilepsy.  You also have to notify the DVLA (Driving Vehicle Licensing Authority) of your seizure.  Once you have been seizure free for twelve months (with or without taking medication) you can apply to get your ordinary car licence reinstated.

In addition, your doctor will also need to be satisfied that you are safe to drive again.  Different, often stricter rules apply for other types of licences.

Anyone who has only ever had sleep seizures will usually get their licence back after a qualifying period, even if they continue to have sleep seizures.  For one off or provoked seizures, the DVLA can apply some discretion.  This means a person may get their licence back sooner than the required one year.

Once you have a diagnosis of epilepsy, you will be entitled to a free nationwide entitlement card (bus pass) in Scotland.  This is because you are no longer legally allowed to drive as long as you have had one seizure in the last 12 months.

You may also be entitled to a Disabled Person’s Railcard which gives you one third off long-distance rail fares throughout the UK.

There are also schemes designed to support people with severe mobility and other problems to travel independently as either a driver or a passenger.  The Blue Badge Scheme allows you to use special disabled parking spaces and to park where other drivers cannot.  Your local council can give you more details on this scheme and how to apply for a Blue Badge.

For more information read our Epilepsy and Driving factsheet.