| Driving
and epilepsy
What teenager does not
want to drive? It provides a sense of freedom
and independence.
People with epilepsy
usually can get their license if seizures are
controlled.
If you cannot drive…
Catch a lift with a friend. Take the bus. Call
a cab. Ride a bike. Walk. There are plenty of
other ways to get around.
TIP:
As you approach driving age, it may
be worth having your epilepsy reviewed.
If no seizures have happened for several
years, talk to the doctor about lowering
and eventually stopping medications at
least 6 months or a year before getting
your license. If your seizures are poorly
controlled, however, this may be a good
time for further reassessment and possible
changes in the treatment plan. |
Not being able to get
or losing your driver's license can have a big
impact on your life, particularly with jobs,
social life and independence.
It is important to remember
that when you are first diagnosed, the initial
suspension of your licence may be for a relatively
short period and, once you meet the criteria
to be able to drive, you will be able to drive
again - safely and legally.
See Australian
Driving Licencing Guidelines
A sudden loss of consciousness
that may happen to someone having a seizure,
impairs their ability to drive and control a
vehicle. The guidelines concerning seizures
and driving may seem severe, but they are in
place to keep everyone, including yourself,
safe.
There are a number of
seizure types that offer no real impact on driving
ability - given suitable medical management
and taking medications regularly.
What
to consider
- Getting the right
diagnosis is very important. It means the
right treatment is started, and the assessment
for driving can be considered.
- Any person with epilepsy
or recurring seizures should see a specialist
for assessment, so the risk of further seizures
and the need for treatment can be worked out..
- All people with epilepsy
are responsible and accountable for the management
of their epilepsy in combination with the
support of a doctor. The transport authorities
will rely heavily on the doctors report.
- Where the doctor suspects
someone is not taking their medication, he/she
may notify the Driver
Licensing Authority who may then choose
to issue a driver licence conditional upon
regular drug level monitoring.
- It is a legal requirement
for the person with epilepsy to notify the
Driver Licencing Authority in their state
or territory of their condition.
The following aspects
of epilepsy management should be taken into
account in the assessment of driver fitness:
- You must have been
free of seizures for the specified period
(see Medical Standards below)
- You must continue
to take anti-epileptic medication regularly
when prescribed
- You get enough sleep
and not drive if sleep-deprived
- You may need to stop
drinking alcohol and other drugs (these are
know seizure triggers)
Frequently
asked questions
Who tells the
road transport authorities?
When someone is diagnosed with epilepsy or has
a seizure, it is the legal responsibility of
that person to tell the road transport authority
in their state or territory.
The doctor may notify the authorities if he/she
suspects a person is driving or not taking their
medication as prescribed.
Can I keep my
license?
This depends on the circumstances of the seizures
and the type of epilepsy. Not all seizures or
seizure types will pose a risk to driving. You
may be able to retain your licence card for
identification purposes and to use when you
are safe to drive again.
What if I don't
tell the authorities?
Driving against medical advice is illegal and
dangerous to yourself, passengers and the community.
There are many safety factors to consider as
seizures can often occur without warning.
A person who has an motor
vehicle accident during the recommended non-driving
period will not be covered by insurance and
may have difficulty getting future insurance.
They could also be charged with driving offences
such as dangerous driving or be sued under common
law.
Can I get any
travel assistance?
There are taxi subsidies available and centrelink
offers a mobility allowance. Both forms of assistance
have strict criteria that have to be met before
they are approved. Not all people are suitable
for these forms of assistance.
It is best to contact your local centrelink
office or taxi subsidy scheme in your state.
Some other tips:
- Car pooling with
work mates
- Having a friend or
partner give you a lift
- Public transport
- Riding a bike or
walking
Medical Standards
Assessing Fitness to
Drive 3rd Edition 2003. Austroads disclaimer
- Austroads believes this publication to be
correct at time of printing and accepts no responsibility
for an consequences arising from the use of
information herein. Readers should rely on their
own skill and judgement to apply information
to particular issues.
Driving
Licensing Guidelines
Click here for 2003 Assessing
Fitness to Drive Publication
http://www.austroads.com.au/pdf/AFTD_2003_FA_WEBREV1.pdf
Factors to be considered
will include response to medications, previous
frequency of seizures, EEG findings and the
type of epilepsy.
Consideration can also
be given to those who have been seizure-free
for prolonged periods without medication.
To find out more about how fitness to drive
is assessed visit the Austroads website. or
email us at epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au.
Has this information
helped you? Then why not help us Make a Difference.
Australia-wide PriorityCall
1300 EPILEPSY
(1300 37 45 37)
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