In most provinces in Canada, a person can apply for a driver’s licence if they are 16 years old or more. Getting a licence usually involves passing one or more written and practical tests and taking a vision test. Some provinces, including Ontario, have a graduated licensing system in which a new driver earns full driving privileges in stages.
A person applying for a driver’s licence must also be considered medically fit to drive. In Canada, a person is required by law to report to their provincial ministry of transportation any health problems, such as epilepsy, that might interfere with their safe driving. In some provinces, including Ontario, health-care providers are also required by law to report anyone with a medical condition that could impair their driving whether they have a driver’s licence or not. Before applying for a licence, check the rules concerning driving in your province or state with the appropriate authority, such as the Ministry of Transportation.
Driving authorities will ask the person's health-care provider for a report of their condition. This will be reviewed by a medical board, which will make a recommendation about their eligibility for having a driver’s licence. Depending on the recommendation, Ministry of Transportation may grant them a licence.
A person with epilepsy may drive in Ontario if:
- medication appears to have prevented their seizures AND:
- they have been free from seizures for six months and their medication does not impair their consciousness (e.g., it does not cause drowsiness) or cause poor coordination or muscle control
- their physician believes they are a conscientious patient who will take their medication responsibly and follow all their health-care provider’s instructions carefully
- they are under regular medical supervision, and their health-care provider believes they will immediately report any further seizure(s)
- they have seizures only during sleep or immediately upon awakening (nocturnal seizures) and it has either been six months since the last seizure, OR if they still have seizures, the pattern has been consistent for at least one year
- they have focal aware seizures, and it has either been six months since the last seizure, OR if they still have seizures, the pattern has been consistent for at least one year; they must also have favourable assessment from a treating health-care provider or neurologist, no impairment in their level of consciousness/cognition, and no head or eye deviation
- they have been seizure-free for at least six months but had a seizure after decreasing medication under their health-care provider’s advice and supervision, they may drive once they have resumed taking their previous medication at the prescribed dosage
If you live outside Ontario, check out the website of your province’s or state’s driving authority to determine their criteria and regulations for driving with epilepsy.
Driving safely is a serious responsibility for anyone with a licence. Here are some suggestions for people with epilepsy who have a licence:
- If you have a seizure, stop driving immediately and do not drive again until you have seen your health-care provider.
- Take your medications regularly as prescribed by your health-care provider.
- If your medication has recently been changed, wait to see its effects and side effects before you drive.
- If your health-care provider is tapering or discontinuing your medication, you should not drive during this period.
- Make sure you are in good condition before you drive. Do not drive if you are too hungry, too tired or too sleepy. Sleep deprivation can sometimes bring on seizures.
- Always avoid alcohol before driving. It not only impairs driving but may bring on a seizure.
If it is not safe to drive, other options include walking, taking public transport, asking a friend for a ride, car-pooling or using a ride-sharing service.
Car insurance
As long as a person has a valid driver’s licence, they should be able to get car insurance. Car insurance rates are based only on the car they drive and their driving record. An insurance company cannot charge more for car insurance based on health status, nor can it ask about health status as a condition for coverage. A person with epilepsy is not required to disclose their health condition to their insurance company.
However, driving while a driver’s licence is suspended for any reason, including a medical suspension, is illegal. It will probably also result in the person’s insurance coverage being revoked.
