DVLA: neurological disorders

Question 1

First unprovoked/isolated seizure

Answer 1

6 months
- if no structural abnormality on brain imagine
- no epileptiform activity on EEG

If the above is not met:
- 12 months

Question 2

For how long must patients with established epilepsy or multiple unprovoked seizures be seizure free to regain their licence?

Answer 2

seizure for 12 months

Question 3

For how long should patients refrain from driving if their epilepsy medication is being withhdrawn?

Answer 3

• should not drive whilst anti-epilepsy medication is being withdrawn
• and for 6 months after the last dose

Question 4

Simple faint

Answer 4

no restriction on driving

Question 5

Single syncopal episode, explained and treated

Answer 5

4 weeks off driving

Question 6

Single syncopal episode, unexplained

Answer 6

6 months off driving

Question 7

Two or more syncopal episodes

Answer 7

12 months off driving

Question 8

Stroke or TIA with no residual neurological deficit

Answer 8

1 month off driving
may not need to inform DVLA

Question 9

Multiple TIAs over short period of time

Answer 9

3 months off driving
- inform DVLA

Question 10

Post craniotomy e.g. For meningioma

Answer 10

1 year off driving*

*if tumour is a benign meningioma and no seizure history, licence can be reconsidered 6 months after surgery if remains seizure free

Question 11

Pituitary tumour

Answer 11

craniotomy - 6 months
trans-sphenoidal surgery - no restriction

Question 12

Narcolepsy/cataplexy

Answer 12

cease driving on diagnosis
can restart once ‘satisfactory control of symptoms’

Question 13

Chronic neurological disorders e.g. multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease

Answer 13

DVLA should be informed

complete PK1 form (application for driving licence holders state of health)