Seizures and Driving
Losing your driver’s license can have a huge impact on your life, particularly aspects such as getting to and from work, driving family around, maintaining social contact, independence and accessing everyday needs.
However, a seizure behind the wheel seriously impairs your ability to control a vehicle. The guidelines concerning seizures and driving may seem severe, but a tragic accident can have much more severe consequences.
It is important to remember that when your license is initially suspended, it may not be permanent and, if you meet the criteria to be able to drive, you will be able to drive again – safely and legally.
There are some seizure types that do not affect driving ability – as long as the person takes their medication as prescribed. Your doctor and the driving licensing guidelines should explain this.
General considerations
Getting the right diagnosis of your seizure type is important. It means the right treatment is started, and review for driving safely can be determined. Any person who has had a seizure should see a neurologist so the risk of further seizures and the need for treatment can be determined.
If you are told by the doctor you cannot drive, it is your legal responsibility to notify the road transport authorities in your state or territory.
You will also need to be responsible for your treatment by continuing medications to manage the seizures; otherwise your license will not be renewed and will be revoked.
To get your license back:
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You must have been free of seizures for the specified period (see Medical Standards below)
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You must continue to take anti-seizure medication regularly when prescribed
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You should get enough sleep and not drive if sleep-deprived
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You need to abstain from alcohol and other drugs.
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 notify the appropriate 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 seizure and the diagnosis. Not all seizures or seizure types will pose a risk to driving. So sometimes a person can keep their license and continue to drive (for instance if your seizures are exclusively during sleep).
If you lose your license, you should be able to keep your licence card for identification purposes and to use when you are safe to drive again.
Who makes the rules about whether or not I can drive?
The rules about health and driving are developed by medical experts and are agreed by road transport authorities. Your doctor or specialist does not make the rules but provides advice, based on the standards, about how your epilepsy might affect your ability to drive safely and how it might be managed.
The road transport authorities will consider the advice of your doctor, but always makes the final decision about your licence status.
What if I don’t tell the authorities?
Driving against medical advice is illegal and dangerous to you, passengers and the community. There are many safety factors to consider as seizures can often occur without warning.
A person who has a motor vehicle accident during the recommended non-driving period will not be covered by insurance and may have difficulty obtaining insurance in the future. 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 – ask for a lift from family, friends or colleagues
- Public transport – catch the bus, tram, train or ferry
- Ride a bike (if safe)
- Walk
- Investigate travel subsidies
For more information:
Visit the Austroads website to find out more about how fitness to drive is assessed
