disappointed can't drive

5 years - wow! I'm guessing that it must be with your state laws. In my state they say 6 months but my doctor can override that if he wants to and he usually does 3 months. I have not been driving since December and find it very frustrating to have to depend on others for transportation. I work in a town about 20 minutes away and have been very fortunate to be able to share rides with a coworker. However, she has been trying to sell her house and move to the town where our work is at which will finish me off. I have been applying for jobs elsewhere which has been quite depressing because I love my current position so much. However, I have found a job that I think I would love even more and it's where my husband works at so transportation would not be a problem. I interviewed for it and am now waiting to hear back (with my fingers crossed!) When I am able to get my license back, my doctor will fill out a form that you can get from your drivers license facility stating that I am safe to drive. Then, as far as I know, I'll take the typical test to get my license back and that will be it. I have not done it yet but this is what I've been told. Maybe check with your doctor to see if he could override this sooner than the 5 year mark if he feels that you are safe to drive. Good luck!

I completely understand your limit. I am 48 years old, have grand mal epilepsy and have 12 to 15 seizures a year. I have had driving privileges sporadically.A 6 month seizure free time had to happen.When I was able to obtain my license all I had to do was pass the same tests the DMV requires of all drivers with the exception of having a completed form filled in by my physician....... Driving is a necessity. I am venting to you because IT IS SO VERY DIFFICULT to live day by day without the ADULT FREEDOM of being able to just grab your car keys hop in your car and do what must be done. I hope the best to you and wish you the ability to not live a limited life always having to depend on others for your transportation needs. Good luck and think positive, you will get your license! One thing a person with epilepsy knows is the lesson of always being calm, cool, and collected. :)

I hear you! I take Zonegran and Lamictal, and I'd give almost anything to try another med than Zonegran because for me it causes word-finding difficulty. But my neuro doesn't want me driving during any transition to a new med, so I'm just going to resign myself to the current regimen. I try to ride my bike as much as possible, but I live in L.A. and life without a car here is difficult at best. Another thing that bothers me about the driving laws is that I have auras up to 20 minutes in advance of my seizures (generalized tonic-clonic), which would give me plenty of time to get myself to a safe situation if god forbid I were ever to have one while I was driving. (Which I never have, knock wood.) I'm also fortunate to only have seizures very rarely--so I wish the driving laws weren't so indiscriminate. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent!