If you have epilepsy or seizures you may be eligible to hold a learner permit or driver licence for private vehicles as long as your seizures are well-controlled. You should discuss this with your doctor.
You are required by law to notify VicRoads if you have any serious or chronic medical condition or disability that may affect your fitness to drive. This includes seizures and epilepsy. Failure to notify could also affect your insurance cover.
VicRoads determines your fitness to drive on a case by case basis in accordance with national medical standards. Medical advice and assessment outcomes are also considered. In every case individual circumstances apply and you may wish to discuss these with your doctor.
If you are applying for your first learner permit or driver licence, and you have epilepsy or seizures, you must notify VicRoads and provide a medical report. VicRoads may request a report from a specialist in epilepsy before a learner permit or a driver licence can be issued. The report must be no more than six months old.
If you do not notify VicRoads that you have epilepsy or seizures when you apply for a learner permit or driver licence, your learner permit or licence could be withdrawn.
You must obtain medical clearance before you sit for your learner permit or driver licence test by faxing your medical report to VicRoads Medical Review on (03) 9854 2307 or posting it to:
PO Box 2504, Kew VIC 3101
Mark it clearly with the words FOR PRIOR APPROVAL.
If you hold a current learner permit or driver licence and you develop any serious or chronic medical condition or disability including epilepsy and seizures, you must notify VicRoads.
To retain your licence you must provide a medical report to VicRoads. You will be advised whether a report from a general practitioner or a specialist in epilepsy is required. The report must be no more than six months old.
If you have another seizure, you must notify VicRoads.
The period that you must be free from seizures before driving depends on the type of seizure, the circumstances surrounding it, and whether you hold a private or commercial licence. The frequency of periodic reviews may vary depending on your medical report and the opinion of VicRoads medical advisors.
Standards for commercial truck, taxi and bus licences are stricter than those for private licences. In many cases, if you have had a seizure, you may not be permitted to drive these vehicles. If you wish to drive a commercial vehicle, you will need to consult a specialist in epilepsy who can provide VicRoads with a medical report to assist in determining your fitness to drive. A conditional licence may be considered taking into account this medical opinion, the size and condition of the vehicle, the duties to be performed and the hours to be worked.
VicRoads may suspend or cancel your learner permit or driver licence on medical grounds. Your permit/licence may be reissued if you provide a satisfactory medical report and meet other licensing requirements.
If you have not held a learner permit or driver licence within the last five years, you may have to sit a knowledge test and driving test to regain it.
Note: Motorcycle learner permits are valid for 15 months or until you obtain a motorcycle licence. If you do not obtain a motorcycle licence before your learner permit expires, you will need to be retested and have another learner permit issued.
You can request a refund of the remainder of your driver licence fee if your licence is cancelled, or if you decide to surrender it.
If VicRoads withdraws your licence you can appeal against the decision. However, you cannot appeal if VicRoads requests you to provide a medical or other report, or asks you to undertake a
driving test.
There are two ways you can appeal:
1. You can write to VicRoads and ask for an internal review.
2. You can appeal to the Magistrates’ Court.
Warning: This web page is intended to provide basic information about seizures and driving. It is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, medical advice. Readers are warned against changing medical schedules or life activities, on the basis of information contained on this web page, without consulting a doctor.
For further information on seizures and driving or to obtain medical or eyesight report forms contact:
PO Box 2504 Kew VIC 3101
Tel: (03) 9854 2407
Fax: (03) 9854 2307
Email: medicalreview@roads.vic.gov.au
Visit the Older Drivers or Family and Friends of Older or Impaired Drivers for more information.
Most publications are free and can be ordered from Information Victoria on 1300 366 356 or via the Information Victoria website.
More information can also be found at:
818 Burke Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124
Tel: (03) 9805 9111
Fax: (03) 9882 9175
National Helpline: 1300 852 853
Email: epilepsy@epilepsy.asn.au
For more information, visit the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria website.
VicRoads has prepared this information in consultation with the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria Inc.