For many people when they are first diagnosed with functional neurological symptoms, driving may be no longer an option or possibility at the moment, especially if you have seizures. Your consultant or doctor will be able to advise you on whether you are able to continue driving or not.
You may need to inform the DVLA about your diagnosis www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving. Whilst Functional Neurological Disorder is not noted on the list, there are other conditions on there that may relate, or co-exist. In particular you must stop driving straight away with seizures.
The government website also has a list of conditions specific to Neurological disorders in general.
www.gov.uk/guidance/neurological-disorders-assessing-fitness-to-drive
Under ‘Epilepsy and seizures’ you will find dissociative seizures listed, where it states that if you have been seizure-free for 3 months they will consider allowing you to drive again.
Note, you may be fined up to £1,000 if you do not advise the DVLA of any medical condition that may affect driving.
It can be very frustrating not being able to drive, but don’t be tempted to get behind the wheel, even for a short trip to drop the kids off at school, if your doctor has advised against it. You may be entitled to a free bus pass, and your local council website should have details on how to apply.
You will hopefully reach a stage where your condition starts to improve, and if symptoms still exist they become manageable that shouldn’t affect your driving ability. You may need to contact your car insurance company to make sure that you are covered, and be careful with explaining FND because the chances are they have never heard of the condition.
If you are fit to drive but have disabilities that affect you accessing or operating a car, you may be entitled to support from www.motability.co.uk/
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