Driver’s License and Epilepsy

After a person’s first-ever seizure, their driver’s license will be revoked.

• If antiseizure medication is initiated, the minimum seizure-free period before driving privileges may be reconsidered is 12 months.
• If no treatment is started, the license may be revoked for at least 6 months.

A neurologist must assess the patient’s fitness to drive. This evaluation is based on:

• medical history and current clinical status,
• results of EEG,
• seizure control with treatment,
• and potential cognitive side effects of antiseizure medications.

Additional assessments may include imaging, psychological or psychiatric evaluations, or video-EEG monitoring. In complex cases, the neurologist may consult an epileptologist.

In certain cases, a driver’s license may be reinstated earlier if:

1. seizures occur exclusively during sleep (and never while awake) for at least 12 months;

2. the person experiences seizures that do not impair the ability to drive, and this has been consistent for 12 months;

3. a seizure occurred as a result of a medically guided treatment adjustment, and the previously effective treatment is reinstated (in this case, a 3-month driving-free period is required);

4. the seizure was provoked by an identifiable cause unlikely to recur while driving.

Stricter Criteria for Professional Drivers

Stricter regulations apply to professional drivers (Group 2 license holders):

• After a single unprovoked seizure, if antiseizure treatment is not initiated, the person may be deemed fit to drive again after 5 years;
• In the case of diagnosed epilepsy, a person must remain seizure-free for 10 years after discontinuing treatment in order to regain professional driving eligibility.