Stopping driving

How do I tell the driving agency?

You can tell the driving agency about your epilepsy by surrendering your licence. The driving agencies say you should surrender your driving licence if any of these things apply to you:

• Your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more
• Your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more
• You do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition

Surrendering your licence is not permanent. If you meet the rules for driving in the future, you can apply to get it back.

What’s the difference between surrendering my licence and having it revoked?

Surrendering your licence means you send it to the driving agency voluntarily (without being asked). If your licence is revoked, it means the driving agency has told you to give up your licence.

There is a big benefit to surrendering your licence. If you surrender your licence, you may be able to start driving again as soon as you meet the epilepsy and driving rules, even if you haven’t got your licence back. See our information about reapplying for your licence for more details.

If your licence is revoked, when you reapply for your licence you won’t be allowed to drive again until:

• The driving agency has completed their medical enquiries, and
• You’ve got your licence back in the post

This can take weeks or months, depending on how busy the driving agency is and how long the medical enquiries take.

When can I get my licence back?

Most people with epilepsy need to be seizure free for 12 months to hold a standard car driving licence. But there are different rules depending on what type of seizures you have, and when they happen. There are also stricter rules for driving heavier vehicles like buses and lorries.

See our information about the driving rules to find out when you may be able to drive again.

Other ways to tell the driving agency

If you think you meet the medical standards for epilepsy, you might choose to tell the driving agency about your seizures without surrendering your licence. The driving agency will decide if you can keep your driving licence, or if they will revoke it. You must not drive until the driving agency has told you their decision.

If you’re not sure if you meet the driving rules, speak to your doctor for advice. The Epilepsy Action Helpline can also help explain the rules.

Do I need to tell my insurer?

You need to have a valid driving licence for most insurance policies, so you must tell your insurer that you’ve had to stop driving. If you don’t, your insurance may not cover you if you make a claim.

If you keep a car on the road, you must have insurance for it, but this can be difficult without a driving licence. You may be able to put your insurance into someone else’s name, for example a friend or family member. Check with your insurance provider if this is an option.

If you are able to keep your car off the road (for example in a garage), you can register it as off the road. This is sometimes called a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). You don’t have to insure vehicles that are registered off the road. But you may still want to insure it against damage or theft. Some companies sell insurance for this, called SORN or ‘laid up’ insurance.

What help is available if I can’t drive?

Free or reduced bus and train travel

If you’ve had to stop driving because of your epilepsy, you are entitled to a disabled person’s bus pass to get you free bus travel (in England, Scotland and Wales) or reduced price travel (in Northern Ireland).

Each part of the UK has a different scheme and way of applying:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

You can also get a disabled person’s railcard. This gets you a third off the price of rail fares in England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more and apply online.

Help with travel costs to work

The Access to Work scheme may help to pay for taxi fares to and from work if you can’t use public transport.

England, Scotland and Wales: The gov.uk website has more information about Access to Work.

Northern Ireland: nidirect has more information about the Access to Work (NI) scheme.

Changes at work

Most people with epilepsy are classed as disabled under the equality laws. This means employers have a legal duty to make changes at work if you need them to help you do your job. This is called making reasonable adjustments.

If you’re not allowed to drive, reasonable adjustments that might help include:

• Letting you start work at a time that allows you to get the bus
• Moving you to office-based duties that don’t involve driving
• Teaming you up with someone who can drive
• Letting you work from home, or at an office that’s easier to get to by public transport

Talk to your employer about any changes you might need. Our employer toolkit can help with this conversation.