2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

23.18 Commercial drivers with epilepsy who change medicationApplicationAssessment guidelinesFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsRe-assessmentguidelinesThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations for commercialdrivers with epilepsy who have a prescribed change to, or withdrawalof, an effective antiepileptic medication. These guidelines only applywhere the individual’s treatment was effective (i.e., their epilepsy wascontrolled) prior to the change to or withdrawal from medication. Thismeans they must first meet the regular guidelines for drivers withepilepsy before this guideline will apply.If further information is required, OSMV will request: a Driver’s Medical Examination Report additional information from the treating physician, or an assessment from a neurologist.Individuals may drive if it has been 5 years since the change orwithdrawal and they have not had a seizure during that time.Individuals who meet the guideline above but subsequently have aseizure may drive if: they have re-established a previously effective treatment regimefor 6 months and they have not had a seizure during that time, and the treating physician indicates that further seizures are unlikely.OSMV may find individuals fit to drive if: it has been 5 years since the change or withdrawal and they havenot had a seizure during that timeIndividuals who meet the guideline above but subsequently have aseizure may drive if: they have re-established a previously effective treatment regime for6 months and they have not had a seizure during that time, and the treating physician indicates that further seizures are unlikely.OSMV will impose the following conditions on an individual who isfound fit to drive: you must routinely follow your treatment regime and physician’sadvice regarding prevention of seizures, and you must cease driving and report to OSMV and your physician ifyou have a seizure.No restrictions are required.OSMV will re-assess in accordance with the schedule for routinecommercial re-assessment.315