EpilepsyAustralia
217. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause recurrent seizures, which may involve changes in awareness, movement, sensation or consciousness. Because a seizure can temporarily prevent a person from controlling a vehicle safely, epilepsy can affect driving fitness and driving-licence requirements. The rules vary between countries and usually depend on factors such as the type of seizure, how long the person has been seizure-free, treatment and medical assessment. Anyone who experiences a seizure should follow the applicable driving rules and seek medical advice before driving again.
Wikimedia.org • Henry Vandyke Carter • CC0
Can epilepsy affect your ability to drive?
Yes. A seizure can cause loss of awareness, consciousness or vehicle control, so epilepsy can affect whether a person is medically fit to drive.
🔗 uhb.nhs.uk • University Hospitals Birmingham NHS, seizures and driving, current DVLA role
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, health conditions and driving; GB example
Can a person with epilepsy have a driving licence?
In many countries, yes, provided specific medical and seizure-free requirements are met. The exact conditions depend on the country, licence category and individual medical situation.
🔗 uhb.nhs.uk • University Hospitals Birmingham NHS, seizures and driving, current DVLA role
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, health conditions and driving; GB example
What should you do after having a seizure?
Stop driving after a seizure or blackout and seek medical advice. Check the licensing authority’s requirements before returning to driving; the permitted return depends on the jurisdiction, licence category and circumstances. In Great Britain, DVLA decides the licensing restriction, not the doctor alone.
🔗 uhb.nhs.uk • University Hospitals Birmingham NHS, seizures and driving, current DVLA role
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, health conditions and driving; GB example

Traffic rules
Australia