ÉpilepsieBruxelles

A person with epilepsy is initially considered not medically fit to drive, but may later be declared fit if the legal medical criteria are met, including the required seizure-free period and a favourable neurological assessment.

For a group 1 licence, which includes ordinary cars and motorcycles, a person with epilepsy can generally be declared fit after being seizure-free for at least one year, provided the other medical conditions are satisfied.

For group 1 drivers, a person who has experienced a single epileptic seizure may generally be declared fit after at least six seizure-free months. In certain circumstances, this can be reduced to three months when neurological tests meet the required conditions.

A neurologist or neuropsychiatrist assesses the epilepsy syndrome, seizure type and risk of recurrence. A neurologist can issue the required driving-fitness advice, and in appropriate cases a doctor can issue the certificate based on the neurological report.

It can. If a seizure occurs because anti-epileptic medication was reduced or changed, specific seizure-free periods apply before driving fitness can be restored. The exact period depends on whether the previous treatment is resumed or a different treatment is started.

For group 1 drivers, the first certificate is generally valid for a maximum of one year. If the person remains seizure-free, the validity can subsequently be extended according to the legal criteria.

Yes. Group 2 drivers, including drivers of trucks and buses and certain professional drivers, are subject to much stricter requirements. For established epilepsy, driving fitness generally requires a substantially longer seizure-free period than for ordinary car drivers.

The driver is responsible for ensuring that they continue to meet the medical fitness requirements. If epilepsy or another medical condition may affect safe driving, medical assessment is required before continuing to drive where applicable.