DVLA: Neurological disorders

Question 1

How long should a patient with a first unprovoked/isolated seizure with no relevant structural abnormalities on brain imaging and no definite epileptiform activity on EEG stop driving?

Answer 1

6 months

Question 2

How long should a patient with a first unprovoked/isolated seizure with possible relevant structural abnormalities on brain imaging and/or definite epileptiform activity on EEG stop driving?

Answer 2

12 months

Question 3

When might someone with established epilepsy or those with multiple unprovoked seizures qualify for a driving licence?

Answer 3

If they have been free from any seizure for 12 months

Question 4

Can someone going through withdrawawl of epilepsy medication drive?

Answer 4

No, not whilst anti-epilepsy medication is being withdrawn and for 6 months after the last dose

Question 5

Is there any restriction in terms of driving for someone who has had a single fainting episode?

Answer 5

No restriction

Question 6

When can someone who has had a single episode of syncope that has been explained and treated drive?

Answer 6

4 weeks after

Question 7

When can someone who has had a single episode of syncope that hasn’t been explained, drive?

Answer 7

6 months off

Question 8

When can someone who has had a 2 or more episodes of syncope, drive?

Answer 8

12 months off

Question 9

How long does someone who has had a stroke or TIA need to take off driving?

Answer 9

1 month off driving, may not need to inform DVLA if no residual neurological deficit

Question 10

How long does someone who has had a multiple TIAs over a short period of time need to take off driving?

Answer 10

3 months off driving and inform DVLA