• Driving with a seizure disorder requires medical oversight.driving 4 image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com
  
  A seizure disorder causes periodic disturbances in the brain's electrical activity, resulting in some degree of temporary brain dysfunction. The issue of whether a person with a seizure disorder can drive is emotionally charged. Driving is an important rite of passage into adulthood for teens and young adults. Your ability to obtain a driver's license will have a direct impact on your level of independence. It can limit your employment opportunities and affects your life in many ways.
  
  

Non-Commercial License

• In most states, laws prohibit people with a seizure disorder from driving until they have been seizure-free for at least six months to one year. A determination of whether or not to issue a non-commercial license is made by the State Department of Motor Vehicles based on a medical report signed by a physician. Depending upon the information provided in the report, a license may be issued for a shorter duration than normal.
  
  

Commercial License for Interstate Commerce

• According to the U.S Department of Transportation, drivers with a history of epilepsy/seizures who are seizure-free and off medication for 10 years may be qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. Drivers with only one unprovoked seizure may be qualified if seizure-free and off medication for at least 5 years. However, if a driver already holding a commercial interstate license has a sudden seizure of unknown cause, a medical examiner and treating physician will make a decision on an individual basis after 6 months have elapsed from the time of the episode.
  
  

Determining Readiness to Drive

• Seizure disorders are dangerous when they are not under medical control. The first step in making a determination about your readiness to apply for a driver's license or to resume driving is to discuss the matter with your physician. She will fill out a Medical Report with details about your condition and treatment, and make a recommendation about your readiness to drive. Protecting your personal safety and the safety of everyone else on the road will be her most important concern.
  
  

Waivers

• In Pennsylvania, a physician can recommend a waiver from the 6 month seizure-free requirement under certain conditions. The State of Kansas offers an Intrastate Waiver of Seizure Requirements for U.S. Department of Transportation commercial vehicles driven only within the State. Check the availability of commercial and non-commercial driving waivers with your State's Department of Motor Vehicles.