Driving

Driving
A person with epilepsy can typically drive if they have been seizure-free for a year and have a doctor's note approving them to do so. Regarding first unprovoked seizures, sleep seizures, provoked seizures, and seizures with awareness, there are exceptions to the one-year norm. These exemptions may entail a shortened seizure freedom period or the ability to keep driving. Occasionally, a neurological opinion is required. Drivers are obligated to report the Road Safety Authority (RSA) when any condition develops or recurs, in accordance with the instructions published to doctors by the RSA about Driver Licensing and Medical Conditions.

Which Traffic Laws Apply to Epilepsy?
Your doctor will advise you regarding the driving laws if you get epilepsy. Slainte agus Tiomaint, Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines, contains the Irish driving regulations.

What exactly do these rules say?
Most epileptics must go one year without having a seizure before being allowed to operate a car, light van, motorcycle, scooter, tractor, or other work vehicle. Group 1 licenses fall into these categories (A, A1, B, EB, M and W). A completed D501 form from a physician attesting to the end of the seizure freedom period will be required. Please be aware that the D501 form should only be finished and submitted once the pertinent time of seizure freedom has passed.

I've never had a seizure; do these guidelines still apply?
Epilepsy is not always identified after the initial seizure. Many people only experience one seizure in their lifetime. The law reduces the amount of time off the road in order to accommodate for this. Once your consultant is confident that you are medically fit to drive after your first unprovoked seizure, you may do so. For Group 1 drivers (cars, light vans, work vehicles), this is for a minimum of six months, and for Group 2 drivers (lorries, buses, HGVs), it is for a minimum of five years.

Do Group 1 drivers have any exemptions to the one-year rule?
Yes. For some Group 1 drivers, there are some exceptions, and a consultant's judgement can be necessary.

If this pattern is consistent for at least a year, sleep seizures may affect the ability to drive.
Seizures while conscious: If a pattern has been present for at least a year, you may be able to drive.

Medication withdrawal: If you experience seizures after your doctor instructed you to stop taking your medication, you are advised not to drive starting at the beginning of the withdrawal process and continuing for three months after treatment has ended, or as recommended by your consultant or doctor. After receiving previously effective medication, driving should be avoided if a withdrawal-related seizure occurs for at least three months.

Once previously effective therapy has been resumed, driving should stop for at least three months if there is a withdrawal-related seizure.

Provoked seizures: Until your doctor determines that you are once again medically fit to drive, you must stop driving. The reason of a triggered seizure is recognised, and it is not likely to happen again. There are some circumstances in which seizures in this group can happen without a previous epilepsy history:
while pregnant due to an oxygen shortage. 

What if I get a breakthrough seizure.
A specialised report on the amount of time spent off the road is required for breakthrough seizures in epilepsy under control. Your doctor can explain to you which rule applies to you if you're unsure. You must abide by your doctor's driving recommendations.

Do I have to disclose my epilepsy to get a licence?
Yes. Any new epilepsy diagnosis or recurrence of seizures in someone who already has epilepsy should be reported to the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS). Following an evaluation, if your doctor issues you a Patient Advisory Form instructing you to notify the driving authority about your condition, you are required under the regulations to do so.

Applying for a licence
Two forms must be delivered in person to an NDLS centre. Which are:

The application for a driver's licence and b) a medical report form (D501). Your doctor had to finish the D501 within the previous month. You should also bring proof of your PPS number and, if applicable, your current driver's licence.

Notifying the NDLS
The NDLS must be notified when:

1. Your driving record must reflect that you have epilepsy (without changing your licencing entitlement).

2. You should update your licence (for example for a shorter period)

 

If my doctor advises me to cease driving, am I legally required to do so?

Yes. Your doctor should advise you on this. Driving after being instructed not to is illegal and dangerous.

If I continue to drive, would my doctor report me?
According to the medical recommendations, doctors are responsible for notifying persons who drive despite medical advice.

If I have to stop driving, who should I let know?
You must inform the National Driver License Service if you have been told to stop driving due to a medical condition.

A driver should turn in their driver's licence or learner permit to the RSA at the following address if their doctor has advised them to stop driving or that they won't be able to for at least six months:

Road Safety Authority, Primrose Hill, Dublin Road, Moy Valley Business Park, Medical Fitness for Driver Licensing, Ballina, County Mayo

Visit the National Driver License Service website for further details about surrendering your licence.

Do I need to have my licence issued again?
There are suggestions for re-issuing licences in the medical guidelines. Most epilepsy patients who are eligible to drive will receive a 1-year licence that can be renewed up to 5 years seizure-free. The National Drivers License Service does not charge for your one-year licence for medical grounds.

Can I acquire a long-term licence?
According to medical recommendations, a longer-term licence may be granted after five years without seizures. Please be aware that the D501 form should not be completed days or weeks in advance in expectation of obtaining seizure independence, but rather after the necessary period of seizure freedom has been reached.

Will I have to retake the driving test?
You shouldn't need to repeat your driving test if it hasn't been more than 10 years since your licence expired.

Do I have to inform my auto insurance provider?
Yes. Your auto insurance provider must be informed that you have epilepsy. The risks of not disclosing are greater than those of disclosure. If you suppress the information, your coverage can be cancelled, and getting insurance after that might be more difficult.

Is there a specific business to get in touch with?
We are unable to recommend a specific business. While it is frequently better to stick with your current insurer, it is frequently worthwhile to look around for a more affordable rate.

Will my insurance be expensive if I start driving again?
People frequently anticipate that getting insurance coverage will be difficult or expensive. In actuality, this isn't always the case. You can get advice from Insurance Ireland by calling 01 676 1820 or visiting www.insuranceireland.eu.

On the Road Safety Authority website, you can get more information about the aforementioned. You should speak with your medical team if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility for a licence.