Epilepsy and Seizures

Getting a driver's license is a major goal for most teens. Students with epilepsy should not be excluded from the school's driver education programs. State laws vary in how long a person has to be seizure-free before being permitted to drive, but all students should take the classroom instruction portion of the course. The information given in these classes is important, and taking the class may reduce the cost of insurance premiums when the teen gets his or her license.

Susan wants to be able to drive, just like all of her friends. Most of them know that Susan has epilepsy and cannot drive, but it is still hard for her to be different. She often gets annoyed with her par ents for fussing over her, and having one of them drive her everywhere only makes things worse.

“Mom is always asking me if I've remembered to take my medication,” Susan sighs. “I don't want to take it, but I really don't want to have another seizure. I want to drive. I know my parents are worried that if I learn to drive, I'll have a seizure and get into an accident. But I still wish they wouldn't nag me. It's bugging me. I wish my epilepsy would just go away.”