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There are restrictions to driving if your seizures are uncontrolled. If epilepsy has been diagnosed, driving is generally not allowed until you have been seizure free for at least 6 months, and you are under a doctor’s care. If seizures return, contact your doctor.
The regulations are much stricter for professional drivers (e.g. driving passenger-carrying or commercial vehicles).
There are provincial
differences in regulations.
For detailed information on driving standards in each province or territory contact the appropriate provincial regulatory agency. There are standards that apply specifically to epilepsy surgery, nocturnal epilepsy, withdrawal from or change in medication in collaboration with a physician, and auras, etc. The standards are developed nationally by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators but may be applied differently in each province. You can view the CCMTA Standards - please note that the Standards address a range of medical conditions. The standards relative to epilepsy begin on page 24 (as numbered on the document itself), page 26 of the Adobe numbering system.
Contact
us for specific information on driving regulations in Alberta.
Drivers are required by law to report any health problems such as epilepsy that would interfere with driving to the appropriate provincial regulatory agency.
If you are not eligible to drive, explore public transportation systems or taxi use. Some communities offer door-to-door transportation for individuals unable to use public transport due to a disability. Some travel companies provide free transportation for an escort capable of providing the required assistance if it is medically necessary. Friends or family may also be able to help. If you live in the Edmonton area and are a member of the EEA, we receive free bus tickets from Donate-A-Ride to assist people with epilepsy on low incomes to get to medical appointments, grocery shopping, volunteer opportunities, and social activities.