With thanks to the Epilepsy Society 

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. 

Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms. 

Epilepsy can start at any age but usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60. It's often lifelong but can sometimes get slowly better over time. 

Epilepsy symptoms are called seizures but these can take varied forms. Possible symptoms include: 

• Uncontrollable jerking and shaking 

• Losing awareness and staring blankly into space 

• Becoming stiff 

• Strange sensations, such as a "rising" feeling in the stomach, unusual smells or tastes, and a tingling feeling in your arms or legs 

• Collapsing 

[Crown copyright: Information from NHS website date 17.1.25] 

Effect on road safety 

Many types of seizure can be dangerous if an individual is driving, as they can involve loss of physical control or unconsciousness.  

What employers can do 

There are very strict rules about driving with a diagnosis of epilepsy, based on the type, frequency and recency of seizures.  

Anyone who has a seizure of any type must stop driving. It is essential to inform the DVLA. They will usually have to complete one year seizure-free before they can re-apply for their licence, depending on how their seizures affect them. 

If an individual's symptoms recur, they should inform their doctor and the DVLA again and not resume driving until they have been told they can do so. 

If someone cannot continue driving due to their epilepsy, they should be re-assigned to a non-driving role if possible. The law requires 'reasonable adjustment'. They may also require other adjustments in order to keep them safe. 

Resources 

Epilepsy Society epilepsysociety.org.uk/living-epilepsy/driving-and-epilepsy