More than 600,000 motorists could be at risk of having their driving licence revoked due to a simple DVLA rule.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk has stressed individuals suffering from epilepsy or strokes could be unfit to drive.
According to the rules, motorists must not have had a seizure for 12 months to get behind the wheel.
Those found to have suffered a seizure while awake and lost consciousness over the past year will likely have their driving licence taken away.
The move will restrict individual freedoms but is designed to keep themselves and other road users safe.
Greg said: “In order to be able to drive you must have been seizure-free for 12 months, if someone is said to have had a seizure whilst awake, their licence will be revoked and after six months they may be able to have it back with a medical advisors go ahead.”
According to Epilepsy Action, there are around 630,000 people with the condition living in the UK.
This means that around one in every 100 people is suffering from epilepsy which can affect people at any age.
GOV.UK explained: “You must tell DVLA if you’ve had any epileptic seizures or blackouts. You must stop driving straight away.
“You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.”
However, having a licence taken away does not mean sufferers will be permanently banned from the roads.
Officials have confirmed that motorists who suffered a seizure because the doctor changed or reduced anti-epilepsy medicine will be able to reapply sooner rather than later.
Applications are likely to be accepted if the seizure was more than 6 months ago and the previous mediation has been restored.
Meanwhile, individuals who have seizures that don’t affect consciousness may still qualify for a licence.
This could be allowed as long as the first seizure was at least 12 months ago and individuals were fully conscious and aware of what was happening.
GOV.UK added: “DVLA will let you know whether or not you qualify after you’ve filled in the form. Until you hear from them you must stop driving.”
