Driving
If you live in the UK and want to drive a car, here are the rules for holding a driving licence.
- If you’re over 17 and you haven’t had a seizure for at least 12 months, you are allowed to drive. This rule applies even if you’re taking anti-epileptic drugs.
- If you’re over 17 and you’ve ONLY had seizures during your sleep for at least three years, you are allowed to drive. This applies even if you’re still having sleep seizures.
If you hold a driving licence and you have a seizure, you must stop driving (unless you meet the rule for sleep seizures). You also have to tell DVLA (in England, Scotland and Wales) or DVA (in Northern Ireland) straight away.
If you don’t stop driving and don’t inform DVLA or DVA about your seizure, you would be breaking the law. Not only would you be putting yourself and other people at risk, you would not be covered by your car insurance if you had an accident. You would even be at risk of prosecution.
There are special rules that apply to driving buses, mini-buses and trucks. For example, if you want to drive a truck, you have to be seizure-free and off medication for at least ten years.
Cycling
Everyone who goes cycling should wear bright clothing and a helmet, and that is especially important if you have epilepsy. If you have frequent seizures, it’s a good idea to avoid cycling on public roads. This reduces the risk of having an accident that could put you and other people in danger.
If you have lots of seizures, your doctor might tell you to not cycle on roads at all.
Bus passes in England, Scotland and Wales
If you’re over 17 and can’t get a driving licence because of your epilepsy, or you receive certain benefits, you can apply for a bus pass. You will get free fares at certain times of the day. Follow the links below to find out more:
Rail travel in England, Scotland and Wales
If you have epilepsy and take anti-epileptic drugs you can apply for a Disabled Person’s Railcard. You’ll need to pay for this, but it will save you money if you travel by train regularly. The Railcard will give you (and one adult travelling with you) up to a third off a range of rail tickets.
To get an application form:
- Ask at your local railway station
- Apply online at www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
- Call Rail Travel made Easy on 0845 605 0525
- Call the Epilepsy Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050 (UK only)
Bus and rail travel in Northern Ireland
If you can’t get a driving licence because of your epilepsy, you only have to pay half of the regular fare on bus and rail services in Northern Ireland.
Contact Translink for an application form.