Getting your driving licence back with epilepsy: how a seizure log supports your DVLA case

Losing your driving licence after a seizure is one of the hardest practical consequences of epilepsy. The good news is that most people can reapply once they meet the DVLA's seizure-free requirements — and a clear, documented seizure log makes that process far smoother. This guide explains how the DVLA assesses your case and why a timestamped record of your seizure history strengthens your application.

This is general information, not legal or medical advice. Always follow the guidance the DVLA and your neurologist give you about your specific situation.

How the DVLA decides

To get a Group 1 (car and motorcycle) licence back, you generally need to have been free of seizures for a defined period — commonly one year, though the rules differ depending on the type of seizure, whether they only happen in your sleep, and your treatment history. The DVLA makes the final decision, usually after contacting your neurologist or GP for a medical report.

That medical report is where your records matter. The DVLA needs to be confident about when your last seizure was and that the seizure-free period is genuine and continuous. A vague answer — "I think it was around last spring" — is weaker than a precise, dated record.

Why a seizure log helps your case

• It pinpoints your last seizure. The clock on your seizure-free period starts from your most recent event. A timestamped digital log shows the exact date, removing any doubt.
• It demonstrates a genuine gap. A continuous record with no entries during your seizure-free period is stronger evidence than simply stating you haven't had one.
• It supports your doctor's report. When your neurologist completes the DVLA medical questionnaire, your log gives them accurate dates and history to reference rather than relying on memory or brief clinic notes.
• It shows seizure patterns. If your seizures only ever happen during sleep, or follow a specific pattern, a log documents that — relevant to some of the DVLA's specific licensing rules.

What to record for a DVLA case

Beyond the standard details your doctor needs, keep these in mind:

• Exact date and time of every seizure — this is the single most important detail for licensing.
• Type of seizure and whether you were awake or asleep.
• Whether it happened during a medication change. The DVLA has specific rules about seizures during supervised withdrawal or changes to medication.
• A clear, unbroken record after your last event — the absence of entries is part of the evidence.

Keep tracking after your licence is returned

Getting your licence back isn't the end of the story. If you have another seizure, you must stop driving and notify the DVLA again. Continuing to log — even when you're seizure-free — means that if anything does happen, you have an accurate record from day one, and you'll know exactly where you stand with the seizure-free clock. It also gives your neurologist ongoing data to help keep your treatment on track.

Be honest and be accurate

It's a criminal offence not to tell the DVLA about a condition that affects your driving, and driving against medical advice can invalidate your insurance. A seizure log isn't about presenting a rosier picture than reality — it's about giving the DVLA and your doctor accurate, contemporaneous information so the right decision gets made quickly. Accurate records protect you.

For the full rules on notifying the DVLA and seizure-free periods, see our guide to epilepsy and driving in the UK.