Can You Drive if You have Seizures?

Having seizures, which is most common in relation to epilepsy, can obviously have an effect on a person’s driving capabilities. Epileptic seizures are the most common cause of sudden incapacity at the wheel, according to research and assessment conducted by the Government’s department looking at neurological disorders and evaluating fitness to drive.

There are various regulations that could make you lose your licence when it comes to driving seizure licence. So, it is important to understand that driving after a seizure is possible, but only if you meet the conditions required.

How does the legal process work with driving and seizures?

First, you are required by the law to inform the DVLA of any epileptic episodes or seizures, as well as fits or blackouts. This could help you a lot when it comes to re-applying for your driving licence after a seizure and the surrender of your licence.

You are also better protected from being prosecuted if you are transparent on any medical issues. Seizures affect both Group 1 (motorcycle, mopeds & car) and Group 2 (buses, coaches, lorries & large vehicle) licence holders.

Should you suffer an epileptic attack or seizure, and lose consciousness, your licence may be revoked for a time. In some cases, it takes a year without a seizure before you can reapply for a driving licence. At times, an effective change or resumption of anti-epilepsy medicine may shorten this period. If a seizure is related to such, you can reapply for your licence if you meet the conditions below:

• You had the seizure more than 6 months ago
• You resumed or altered your medication and have been on it for 6 months
• You have not suffered another seizure in that period

Should these conditions be in place, and DVLA medical advisers find that there is no significant risk you will suffer another seizure, it may be that you can resume driving after seizure issues. Of course, at this time you will need to have submitted medical records, and given details of your GP or medical specialist and allowed the DVLA to enquire about your health condition.

Contact Us

Finding the right expert motoring solicitors is very helpful as you reapply for the licence. Caddick Davies Solicitors have a lot of experience, advising on all the key points you need to understand, what you need to do and any documentation that needs to be sent. We offer legal assistance to many motorists who want to continue driving after a seizure.

For those who still don’t have the answer to their exact question related to “can you drive if you have seizures?”  you can speak to our team today. Having seizures that don’t affect your consciousness or driving capacity does not need to keep you from driving.

If the seizure attack affecting your driving was over a year ago, but you have been having mild seizures that don’t affect your driving or consciousness, you may still be able to qualify for a driving licence. You should cease driving, however, until the DVLA permits you to drive.

Caddick Davies Solicitors are highly qualified and experienced motoring solicitors who offer reliable legal assistance to those who wish to continue driving after a seizure and DVLA revocation of their licence. Call us on 0151 280 3346, or use our website to request a callback or email us. We can provide a free initial no-obligation consultation to offer you appropriate legal advice and explore possible representation.