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Drivers licence while being "cured"

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 16:44
My sons neuro said that people that are "cured" from epilepsy, whether from surgery or spontaneous, cannot drive because they are "off meds". Is this true? Soo I guess the "epilepsy" tag in the DL can't ever be removed? WTH?

Comments

Re: Drivers licence while being "cured"

Submitted by hnubtshiab on Wed, 2013-09-18 - 18:14

I agree that you should speak directly with your state DMV. Some states require that your neurologist confirm in writing that you have been seizure free and are safe to drive. If your neurologist believes that, s/he may not give written approval which may hinder your son from receiving his driver's license. I would say, get to the bottom of it. What does your state require? Is the neurologist saying that out of his/her own philosophy or is there legal/medical support for his statement that those who are off meds cannot drive. Good luck!

I agree that you should speak directly with your state DMV. Some states require that your neurologist confirm in writing that you have been seizure free and are safe to drive. If your neurologist believes that, s/he may not give written approval which may hinder your son from receiving his driver's license. I would say, get to the bottom of it. What does your state require? Is the neurologist saying that out of his/her own philosophy or is there legal/medical support for his statement that those who are off meds cannot drive. Good luck!

Re: Drivers licence while being "cured"

Submitted by Beaker on Wed, 2013-09-18 - 22:21
Living in Britain at the time of my surgery, 22 years ago, I was advised by the local licensing office that I had to come off my meds first before I could apply for a drivers license. It took a few years before I was permitted to drive, with a letter from my neurologist stating the surgery I had undergone. My initial license was only for 3 years {standard licenses in the U.K. are 10 years). After a second 3 year license I was granted a 10 year one. The HARDEST part for me was getting insurance coverage. I had to read the small print carefully. If they asked "Do you have any of the following conditions" then stated a list which included epilepsy, I could honestly reply 'NO'. However, if the wording was "Have you ever suffered from any of the following" with the same list, I would have had to answer 'YES' When I moved West, and applied for a license, because I had been driving in Britain for 8 years, I had no problem getting my license.

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