Can You Drive with Epilepsy?

If you have epilepsy and are thinking about driving, you are not alone. Many young people with epilepsy wonder if driving is an option for them. For some young people with epilepsy, it can be. For others, it may not be possible. 

The driving rules are there to keep you and other people safe. In the UK, these rules are set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

Before you can learn to drive, you need to apply for a provisional driving licence. When you apply, you must say if you have epilepsy. 

Find the DVLA guidelines for epilepsy and driving 

Epilepsy and driving 

If you have had a seizure, you must tell the DVLA. You can do this online or by filling in a medical form called FEP1. 

You must stop driving straight away, this includes having driving lessons. It can feel disappointing, but it is an important safety step. 

If you do not tell the DVLA about your seizures, you can be fined up to £1,000, and there can be much more serious problems if you have an accident. 

How does the DVLA decide if you can drive with epilepsy? 

After you send your form, the DVLA looks at how epilepsy affects you. They use information from you and your doctors. 

Some people with epilepsy will be able to drive, while others may never be able to drive, because their seizures make driving unsafe. Others may be able to drive after being seizure free for some time. 

When can you drive with epilepsy?

Whether you can drive with epilepsy depends on various things, like: 

• what type of seizures you have 
• if your seizures happen when you’re awake or asleep 
• if your seizure was caused by a medication change 
• how long you’ve been seizure free 
• how long it’s been since your first seizure 

Everyone’s situation is different, so please check the DVLA epilepsy information guidelines for full details. 

Can you drive if you have seizures while you’re awake? 

If you have seizures while you’re awake and pass out, your licence will be taken away.  

You can reapply for your licence if you haven’t had a seizure for at least one year. 

If you had a seizure because your doctor changed or reduced your medication, you can reapply for your licence if: 

• your seizure was more than 6 months ago 
• you’ve been back on your previous medication for 6 months 
• you haven’t had another seizure in that time 

Can you drive after your first seizure? 

If you had your first-ever seizure while you were awake and passed out your licence will be taken away.  

You can reapply when you have not had a seizure for 6 months AND the DVLA decide there is a low risk you’ll have another seizure. 

If not, you can reapply after a year. 

Can you drive if you’ve only had seizures while you’re asleep? 

If you only have seizures while you’re asleep, you may still be able to get a driving licence if it’s been one year or more since your first seizure. The DVLA will decide after reviewing your FEP1 form. You must not drive until they tell you. 

Can you drive if you don’t lose awareness during seizures? 

If your seizures do not affect your awareness or control, you may still be able to get a driving licence if your first seizure was at least 1 year ago. 

Short-term driving licences and renewals 

Many people with epilepsy who are allowed to drive get a short-term medical driving licence, lasting 1 to 5 years. This lets the DVLA check that it is still safe for you to drive after this time. 

If someone has been seizure free for 5 years, they may get a normal 10-year licence. 

Being honest and looking ahead 

Not being able to drive can feel unfair, especially when friends are learning. But driving is only one small part of independence. Many people with epilepsy build full, active lives without ever driving. 

Being honest with the DVLA helps protect you and others, now and in the future.