Driving after unprovoked/isolated seizure

[cognis0]

I'd be grateful for advice on the following..

I had a seizure on 1st May and haven't driven since (and have had no further medical issues). I saw the consultant in June who said DVLA rules mean I should not drive for 12 months as I had some similar symptoms (but no seizure) in 2013. DVLA have not responded to my having advised them of the situation (other than to acknowledge receipt in a phone call), and my licence has not been revoked.

I did some research in October and, and as my previous "episode" in 2013 was more than 5 years prior to the 1st May seizure, the DVLA rules seem to be quite clear that I should not drive for 6 months, rather than 12 months: DVLA document “Assessing fitness to drive - a guide for medical professionals” (March 2021). Page 18 of this indicates that the 1st May 2021 seizure is classified as a first unprovoked/isolated seizure (being well over 5 years after I experienced some similar symptoms in 2013). In this case the relevant table entry states “Driving must cease (for) 6 months from the date of the seizure….”

I wrote to my consultant asking him his medical opinion if I could drive after 1st November (6 months), but the consultant responded referring again to the DVLA rules (not his medical opinion) saying I should not drive for 12 months. I have written to the consultant 3 times now pointing him to the DVLA document, but he has declined to confirm what seems to be unambiguous, even though I have given him the text of the DVLA document, and even a copy extract with the relevant sections highlighted. I suspect that he has not bothered to read any of this and simply responds with what he believes to be the rules. Perhaps he doesn't like his advice to be questioned..?

I don't want to drive against the advice of my consultant, even though that advice is not about my medical condition which is his specialisation, but about DVLA rules, which is clearly not his field of specialist knowledge.

I should be grateful for your views...

[DE DOGS]

My wife had a similar experience, I notified DVLA and stopped her driving, my thought was if she has this happen on the road and blacks out, what would be the consequences if there was an accident her insurance would be void as well as the possibility somebody could be injured, don't bare thinking about

[cognis0]

My wife had a similar experience, I notified DVLA and stopped her driving, my thought was if she has this happen on the road and blacks out, what would be the consequences if there was an accident her insurance would be void as well as the possibility somebody could be injured, don't bare thinking about

Thanks, but I don't see that you comments address the question in hand.

[echat11]

If the DLVA hasn't formally responded, then you should chase them up on the matter. Chasing your Consultant will be like 'chasing shadows', he is probably saying 12 months to be extra careful. Even if it's documented as 6 months, your Consultant can say 12 months, that's in his opinion.

[DE DOGS]

Thanks, but I don't see that you comments address the question in hand.

Sorry but I do not agree, the powers that make the decisions are the knowledgeable authority, my sympathy is with you but think of the responsibility if you were to have a seizure whilst driving.