Drivers could be at risk of losing their driving licence if they suffer from epilepsy or have a stroke due to a single DVLA ruling that could see them ‘revoked’
Over 600,000 drivers could be at risk of losing their driving licence due to a straightforward DVLA rule. Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone has highlighted that individuals who have experienced epilepsy or strokes may not be fit to drive. According to the regulations, drivers must not have had a seizure for 12 months to be allowed to drive.
Those who have had a seizure while awake and lost consciousness in the past year are likely to have their driving licence revoked. This measure will limit personal freedoms but is intended to ensure the safety of both the individual and other road users.
Greg stated: “In order to be able to drive you must have been seizure-free for 12 months, if someone is said to have had a seizure whilst awake, their licence will be revoked and after six months they may be able to have it back with a medical advisors go ahead.” Epilepsy Action reports that there are approximately 630,000 people living with the condition in the UK.
This suggests that around one in every 100 people is suffering from epilepsy, which can affect individuals of any age, reports the Express. GOV.UK clarified: “You must tell DVLA if you’ve had any epileptic seizures or blackouts.
“You must stop driving straight away. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.”
However, having a licence revoked does not mean that sufferers will be permanently banned from driving. Officials have confirmed a bit of good news for motorists who experienced a seizure due to changes or reductions in their anti-epilepsy medication – they can now reapply for their driving licence more promptly.
Applications are likely to be given the green light if there’s been a span of more than six months since the seizure and the original medication regime has been reinstated. Furthermore, individuals who have experienced seizures with no impact on consciousness could still be eligible for a licence.
This permission could be granted provided that the initial seizure occurred at least a year prior, and they remained fully conscious and aware during it. “DVLA will let you know whether or not you qualify after you’ve filled in the form. Until you hear from them you must stop driving,” notes GOV.UK.
