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Changes to the DVLA driving regulations for people who have had a first and single epileptic seizure
25 September 2009
The ‘Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive’, the regulations set by the DVLA, have been updated. The standards now include a new section for people who have had a first and solitary (single) epileptic seizure.
The new regulations for a group 1 licence, after the first and single seizure, are the following:
- You must stop driving.
- You can start driving again after six months as long as you can fulfil the following criteria:
- you have been assessed by an appropriate specialist who agrees that it is reasonable for you to drive; and
- no abnormality has been found following investigation, such as an EEG or brain scan.
Provided that you have no further seizures, and as long as you meet all the standard regulations to drive, you should get a full licence returned (which lasts until you are seventy, called a ‘Till 70 licence’).
For Group 2 licences, you can start driving again five years after the seizure as long as you can fulfil the criteria listed above.
If you feel that these regulations apply to you, please talk this through with your specialist. You can also contact the DVLA medical advice line on 0300 790 6806.
Note: these standards only apply to people who have had a first and single seizure, and who meet the criteria above. These standards do not apply to individuals with epilepsy and the regulations for epilepsy have not changed.
For more information on the medical standards of fitness to drive, including standards for epilepsy, epileptic seizures, and first and solitary seizures go to www.dvla.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/motoring
