If there’s one thing kids can’t wait to do when they reach their teens is pass their driving test and take to the open road. It gives them a whole new sense of freedom and independence. The keys to the car become their keys to adulthood… they can drive to work, the mall, their friends’ house or go on a road trip. It’s only natural that a teen with epilepsy may fear they won’t be able to enjoy that independence and have a driving license.
For adults alike, the prospect of being without a driving license can cause a great deal of worry, particularly if you live in a rural area. Not being able to drive can have dramatic consequences on your ability to work, socialise and feel independent.
The good news for epilepsy sufferers is that the law has now been relaxed in many states and countries when it comes to seizures and driving. Although the law differs around the world, in general anyone whose seizures have been under control for a certain length of time is allowed to drive. Usually that time period is around three months and if a seizure does occur the driver has a responsibility to contact the relevant authorities and their license will probably be suspended. In some states, doctors are obliged by law to inform the authorities if their patient has had a seizure.
The amount of time a driver needs to be seizure free varies from place to place and can be up to a year. Unfortunately in some European countries a single tonic-clonic seizure during adulthood prohibits driving for the rest of your life.
The Statistics on Epilepsy and Driving
When you look at the statistics, restricting anyone who’s had seizures from driving on a permanent basis could be deemed a form of discrimination. Whilst the laws have been put in place to protect the driver, as well as any passengers, pedestrians and other drivers, the statistics do show that there are many other categories of drivers allowed on the road who are much more dangerous. Although it is true that seizure sufferers are more likely to have accidents than the average driver, they are in fact less likely to have an accident than young male drivers without any medical condition at all. They’re also less likely to have an accident than older drivers who may be at risk of a cardiac event.
With these statistics in mind, it’s easy to see why the rules on epilepsy and driving have had to be relaxed. Some states have even recognised the need to allow people who have persistent seizures to continue to drive if it is proven that their seizures will not affect their driving – for example, people who have consistent warning of a seizure, such as an aura, and who would have time to pull over; or those who have seizures only when they are asleep, or within an hour of waking up; or seizures so mild that they would not affect their ability to drive.
On the other hand, it’s easy to see why anyone having uncontrolled seizures that would affect their ability to drive should not be getting behind the wheel. It’s a matter of their own protection and the safety of general public. Having your license suspended is the last thing anyone wants, but it’s not worth driving, even on a really short journey, if you are putting yourself and others at risk. However once seizures are back under control, before you know it your license should be renewed and you’ll be driving again with the confidence that you’re safe to drive.
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