Driving and You

Can you drive an automobile if you have epilepsy? Yes, if your seizures are controlled with treatment and you meet the licensing requirements in your state.

How long you have to be free of seizures varies in different states, but it's most likely to be between three months and a year. Some states don't count seizures that only take place during sleep, don't impair consciousness (commonly called auras), or are preceded by a very long warning.

When you apply for a license, some states may require that your doctor send a letter to the Department of Motor Vehicles stating that you are free of seizures and, in his or her opinion, can therefore drive safely if you meet your state's other driving requirements.

A few states require doctors to report people who have lapses of consciousness to the state. The Epilepsy Foundation opposes this regulation because it is not effective and interferes with the doctor-patient relationship. If your state has such a requirement, you may wish to ask your legislator to get it removed.

To help you find out what the rules are about epilepsy and driving in your state, we have provided a state-by-state listing.

Driving is a privilege that carries serious responsibility with it. You can help protect yourself and others as follows:

• If your doctor changes your medicine, don't drive until you know how the change is going to affect you.
• If you have a seizure, don't drive yourself to the doctor's office afterwards. If you need medical attention, call a friend or take other transportation.
• Don't drive if your seizure control isn't good enough to get a license, or if you start having seizures again after getting a license. Insurance may not cover you in an accident if you are driving illegally when it happens.

Alternatives to driving oneself include: public transportation, car pools, taxis, and special programs offering transportation to people whose disabilities make it impossible to drive.

There will also be times when you simply have to ask someone for a ride. If you are frequently dependent on certain people to provide transportation, see if there is some service you can perform in return so you will feel more comfortable about accepting their help.