Driving ability
The assessment of driving ability complies with the EU driving license directive and the national regulation. Usually, an epilepsy diagnosis results in a driving ban of one year. When you have not had a seizure for a year, you may drive again.
If you are a professional driver, the driving health regulations are stricter. In this situation, epilepsy practically means a change of profession, in which case the possibility of vocational rehabilitation can be explored.
How to cope during a driving ban?
A driving ban can make life more difficult in many ways. You might have to reconsider how you are able to get to work or how the family’s daily travels can be organised. Unfortunately, there is no single solution for this. If there is no public transport or it does not fit with your needs, you should find out:
- Can you rearrange your work – for example, flexible working hours, working from home, changing working hours according to public transport?
- Is it possible to organise carpooling?
- Does your municipality offer any transport services or taxi services?
A person who is severely disabled may receive transport services
According to the Disability Service Act the municipality, which you reside in, is obligated to arrange services for severely disabled persons, who have severe restrictions in mobility and who are not able to use public transportation without unreasonable difficulties due to their disability or illness. The definition of a severe illness is not based on diagnosis but on the functioning abilities of each person. Based on a persons individual situation, severe epilepsy or other disabilities/illnesses may cause difficulties in mobility such that you may have the right to access personal transport services.
These services can be applied for from your municipality’s disability services. You will need a doctor’s medical statement for the application.