Obtaining Your License After a Seizure

A seizure can cause a person to lose control of their bodily functions – or even pass out. If such an event happens while someone is behind the wheel, the outcome can be disastrous. DMVs in many states can suspend a driver’s license if a driver is diagnosed with epilepsy or has seizures. The restrictions are for the safety of the driver – and those who share the road with him.

Diagnosing epilepsy or seizures can make getting a driver’s license or obtaining a driver’s license challenging, but it’s possible that the two coexist. This guide explains how.

What are the driving risks?

The greatest risk in driving a car if you have been diagnosed with epilepsy or other types of conditions that cause seizures is that you could have a seizure while driving. Losing control while out and about could result in a serious accident that could result in property damage or injury to pedestrians, other drivers, and yourself. This is the result of a classic study with almost 17,000 respondents People with epilepsy or seizures are no more likely to cause accidents than the average driver. However, should an accident occur, the risk of serious injury or damage is 40% higher.

Medication could also help increase the risk of a serious accident. As with many types of prescription drugs, machines and vehicles are generally discouraged. Seizure drugs have side effects that can affect a person’s ability to drive safely and defensively. The most common side effects (especially early on) of anti-epileptic drugs that can affect the ability to drive include drowsiness, blurred vision, and dizziness.

In addition, driving too early after a seizure could potentially classify a driver as risky with insurance companies. Drivers who appear reckless or who are more comfortable with risky behavior are more likely to be the cause of accidents.

Safe driving with epilepsy

Living with epilepsy does not mean that a person can no longer drive a car. Just as it is possible to lead a normal life despite being susceptible to seizures, it is possible to drive a car if you make adjustments and know how to safely treat the condition. Some ways to drive safely with epilepsy include:

• Report the status to the DMV: Each state has its own guidelines for drivers with epilepsy. The notification of your condition to the DMV alerts them and informs you about possible restrictions.
• Work closely with your doctor: Your doctor will help treat the condition and will be your agent in many states if you need to regain your license.
• Take your seizure medication: Seizure prescriptions can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
• Avoid triggers: Driving while stressed or tired can increase the chance of a seizure. In other cases, flashing lights can be a cause that you may want to drive more during the day.
• Avoid driving a car under certain circumstances: Driving at high speed or at times of the day when the sun can affect your eyesight should be avoided to reduce the risk of a seizure.
• Maintain car insurance: Car insurance can be more important than ever. Consider switching to fully comprehensive insurance that covers damage you cause in an accident.

Car insurance and epilepsy

It is important that you have current car insurance. Transport companies generally cannot drop you off because you have seizures. However, if your driver’s license has been suspended or restricted by the DMV, you may not be able to insure your vehicle. Contact your cellular operator and let them know about your condition to make sure you are covered.

The best insurance companies offer add-ons that expand your auto insurance. Drivers with epilepsy should consider taking out fully comprehensive auto insurance and, if possible, increase coverage limits to take into account the possibility of more costly accidents. Lowering your deductible can also help if you are concerned about the higher risk of accidents – it will be much easier to pay a $ 500 deductible over $ 1,000. Remember that lower deductibles mean higher premiums. So, take a look at your financial situation to decide what is best for you.

License restrictions

Drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders are usually subject to DMV restrictions. Each state has its own rules and restrictions for drivers who have recently had a seizure, with different restrictions. Even if you don’t report your seizures to the DMV, they can find out – some states often require doctors and hospitals to report people who have seizures while they are being treated.

Depending on the circumstances, a state’s DMV usually has guidelines for drivers who have recently had seizures. They may:

• Temporarily suspend your driver’s license for an average of three to six months.
• You will need to see a doctor regularly to monitor your recovery.
• After a set period of time, review the case by a medical advisory board or medical review panel.
• Ask your doctor for a letter of recommendation before you are allowed to drive again.
• May require a written driving test or eye test (depending on the circumstances and severity of the seizure) before regaining your driving license.

These guidelines were introduced because the essence of states is to ensure that a driver with epilepsy does not experience frequent seizures that could result in a serious accident and / or injury to others behind the wheel.

State by state laws

States have different laws regarding drivers who have seizures. Epilepsy.com publishes information based on state regulations.

Status	DMV objection against license refusal	Doctors must report epilepsy	Regular medical updates required after licensing	Seizure-free time
AL	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Review Board	6 months, with a medical certificate
IF	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	6 months
THE	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	3 months, with exceptions
IF	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	1 year, with exceptions
THE	Yes	Yes	At DMV’s discretion	3 to 6 months, with exceptions
CO	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	No fixed period
CT	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	No fixed period
OF	Yes	Yes	Yearly	No fixed period
DC	Yes	No	Free of seizures annually for up to 5 years	1 year
FL	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Review Board	6 months, with a medical certificate
GA	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Review Board	6 months, with a medical certificate
HELLO	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	6 months, with exceptions
I WOULD	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	No set seizure-free time
THE	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	No set seizure-free time
IN THE	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	No set seizure-free time
HE	Yes	No	After the first 6 months and again when renewed	6 months, with a medical certificate
KS	Yes	No	Annually up to 3 seizure-free years	6 months, with exceptions
KY	Yes	No	Upon renewal	3 months or more
THE	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	No seizure-free time as recommended by a doctor
ME	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	3 months or 2 years depending on the medical prognosis
MD	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	3 months, with exceptions
MA	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	6 months, with exceptions
ME	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	6 months, with exceptions
MN	Yes	No	Every 6 months or less, depending on the circumstances	3 months, with a medical certificate
MRS	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Review Board	6 months
MO	No	No	At DMV’s discretion	6 months, with a doctor’s recommendation
MT	Yes	No	At DMV’s discretion	No seizure-free time with a doctor’s recommendation
BORN	Yes	No	No	No set seizure-free time
NV	Yes	Yes	Annually for 3 years	3 months, with exceptions
NH	Yes	No	No	1 year or less at the DMV’s discretion
NJ	Yes	Yes	The first two years every six months, then annually	6 months
Nm	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	6 months
NEW	Yes	No	At the discretion of the DMV	1 year or less at the DMV’s discretion
NC	Yes	No	At the discretion of the DMV	6 months
ND	Yes	No	Annually for the first 3 years or more	6 months, limited license after 3 months
OH	Yes	No	At the discretion of the DMV	No set seizure-free time
OK	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Ministry of Public Security	6 months, with exceptions
OR	Yes	Yes	At the discretion of the DMV	3 months or more
PA	Yes	Yes	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	6 months, with exceptions
RI	Yes	No	At the discretion of the DMV	18 months, but less at DMV’s discretion
SC	Yes	No	At 6 months, then every year for 3 years	6 months
SD	Yes	No	Every 6 months to 1 year without seizures	6 – 12 months, less is also possible on a doctor’s recommendation
TN	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Review Board	6-12 months, with exceptions
TX	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	3 months, with exceptions
OUT	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	3 months, with exceptions
VT	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	No set seizure-free time
become	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	6 months, with exceptions
WA	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	6 months, with exceptions
WV	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	6 months
WI	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	3 months, with a doctor’s recommendation
YOU	Yes	No	At the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board	No set seizure-free time

What the experts say

Dr. Jacqueline French, Chief Medical & Innovation Officer of the Epilepsy Foundation

“Laws were written to protect public safety and to give those who are least likely to have an accident the privilege of driving.” Seizures can temporarily affect a person’s license to drive, but with proper medical care a driver can be safely back on the road after demonstrating no seizures for several months to several years.

Dr. French reminds those with epilepsy that “in most states, the DMV, not the doctor, makes the decisions about driving.” Even if your doctor thinks you are fit to drive, all they can do is make a recommendation for the Department of Motor Vehicles to review and decide. If you are diagnosed with epilepsy or any other condition that may increase the chance of seizures, notify your state’s DMV, continue medical treatment, and work out a plan with your doctor or health care provider to get back on the road safely come.

source https://collegeeducationnewsllc.com/obtaining-your-license-after-a-seizure/