driving with night seizures

[Toddyboy12]

hi. My son Who’s 23 has around 4 or 5 night seizures a year. Always whilst asleep. He wants to start driving. Has anyone had any experience with this ?

[Grammy80]

Hi! I'm 82 now but had grand mal seizures as a teen and a few more years....but my last one was over 40 years ago. My heart goes to your son, and I understand his view and your concern. I'm in the states and if you have epilepsy, you had to be seizure free ( in the 1950s) for six months in order to get your license. I was either 23 or 24 when I got my driver's license. The town I lived in was so small I didn't need it and I think it is different for a girl...it is more of a guy thing.

If he were my son...I would encourage teaching him and allowing him to get the license if you are comfortable with the control his meds give him. I never had one while driving and during the learning and training process, you'll be able to see how he handles his car and his awareness of other vehicles.

I still take medication every day. The attitude I adopted when I was in my 20s, 30s, and 40s.... was that I couldn't live under a 'what if' cloud. I certainly wouldn't feel this way if he was having a few seizures a month. It takes a while to get the right medication level and only testing and talking to the doctor can put your mind at ease.

As a single parent in my thirties, I was involved in the Epilepsy Foundation here in the states. I did see cases where I felt young adults that were sheltered too much and suffered harm and lack of confidence. I know first hand it is difficult, and I wish the best to both of you.💞

[Michael_M]

Hia there, I’m pretty certain DVLA has no objection to someone driving if all their seizures are entirely at night. But I would check specifically with them to be sure. Happy driving!

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

HI Toddyboy12

If someone's seizures always start when they are asleep, they might be allowed to drive even if they continue having them. They don’t need to be at night. A seizure that starts during a daytime nap also counts as a sleep seizure.

The driving agency may allow someone to drive without being seizure free if:

They’ve been having sleep seizures for at least 12 months, and have never had awake seizures, or

They’ve had awake seizures in the past, but have only been having sleep seizures for at least 3 years

epilepsy.org.uk/living/driv...

Here is a link to our information on how to re-apply for a driving licence.

epilepsy.org.uk/living/driv...

If we can be of any more help, please feel free to contact us again, either by email, live chat or the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pmRegards

Diane

Helpline Team

[Toddyboy12 in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

hi Diane. Thanks for the reply.

This is what I read but there’s so many ‘mights & maybes’ with the dvla information He has only ever had asleep seizures that started around 8 years ago, he can go several months without one then can have 2 in the space of a few months.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Then he should be ok to apply for his licence

Regards

Diane

[Toddyboy12 in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

thank you

[Bottoc]

Hi DVLA is a minefield! My hubby has night seizures he has never had one whilst awake. Losing his license initially was more devastating than the seizure itself. He was 18 months without driving because no one told us he could reapply earlier. If his epilepsy is managed and at night he can apply for it. Hope that makes sense Christine