If you have epilepsy and your seizures are well controlled, or your seizures or epilepsy type fall into a specified category, you may be able to obtain a driving license. There are a number of seizure types that offer no real danger with regard to impact on driving ability – given you are taking your medication as it is prescribed. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Generally, to get your license the following applies:
- You must have been free of seizures for the specified period (see Assessing Fitness to Drive)
- You must continue to take anti-seizure medication regularly as prescribed
- You should get adequate sleep and not drive if sleep-deprived
- You may need to abstain from alcohol and other drugs
It is a legal requirement that you notify your state driving authority that you have epilepsy or have had a seizure. You are responsible for making sure you are well enough to drive safely – by keeping good seizure control and complying with your medical treatment. If you are issued with a conditional license you are expected to obey any enforced driving restrictions.
You will need to report any “breakthrough” or unexpected seizures to your doctor. This may result in temporarily losing your license, but may be a sign your treatment needs a review and your doctor will be able to make changes to your treatment. Some people fear telling their doctor because it will mean losing their license but driving when seizures aren’t fully controlled can cause accidents and you may end up in serious legal trouble if you cause an accident, injury or death. Insurance will also be invalidated.
There are much stricter guidelines for commercial vehicles.
To find out more about how fitness to drive is assessed visit the Austroads website.
Assessing Fitness to Drive Australia
