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Can You Drive with Epilepsy?

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

Short term driving licences and renewals

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.

Chris McCarthy commentating for motorsports

Unable to get a driving license?

Check out the story of Chris McCarthy, whose dream of being a motorsports racer ended when an epilepsy diagnosis at 17 barred him from driving. Now one of the country's most recognisable motorsports commentators and the creator of fundraising event Purple Sectors, his journey shows that not being able to drive because of epilepsy does not mean the end of your goals.

Read his story

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.

Getting around without a driver's license

Not everyone with epilepsy will be able to get a driving license, but that doesn't mean you can't have independence. You may be entitled to a free or discounted bus pass and a discounted railcard.

Find out more

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

A young woman stands by a learner car, showing that she passed her driver's license.

Amelia's story

Amelia's journey with epilepsy has come with many challenges, but after finding the right seizure treatment, her life has changed dramatically - and she has been able to start driving.

Read her story here

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.

Rachael, a young woman, smiles in a selfie in a Young Epilepsy t-shirt.

Meet Rachael

Rachael is a Client Account Executive for a marketing company and Young Epilepsy Young Rep who was able to get her driving license and is grateful for the independence it's given her.

I got a new car a few months ago that I bought with my own money and this was such a proud moment

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.