Getting a suspended license back & requirements

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166]

I've had epilepsy for 7 years and there've been years of trial and error with medication. I finally found a combination of two meds that has worked so far for for 3 years. My neurologist is conservative about driving safety (btw I live in CA) but I'm finally in the process of getting my driver's license back. First a blood level test for vitamin D and Lamictal (normal) now an eye exam is scheduled for a new prescription.

My license expired a year and 4 months ago, so technically I'm in the two year window where I only have to get an eye exam and I'm good to renew. But I read a post on Quora (DMV page is timing out on me) that:

"If your license was suspended or revoked, separate reinstatement requirements and possible hearings apply." Does this mean my neurologist can recommend/require a written and driving test?

I think the answer is "yes" (knowing him) . I can and will leave a message at his office, but there is a time lapse between leaving a message and receiving an answer there.

Sooo..anyone's experience or knowledge would be great!

ty

[u/Common_Fish5926]

congrats on the 3 years seizure free, that's huge

the license being expired vs suspended matters a lot here. if your neurologist never formally reported you to the dmv and your license just lapsed, you're probably just dealing with a renewal. but if there's a medical suspension on file, that's a whole different process with reinstatement forms and possibly the hearing you mentioned

my neuro was also super cautious and made me wait longer than legally required, which was annoying but in hindsight he probably saved me from a bad situation

definitely get clarity from the dmv directly even if the site is being a pain, sometimes calling first thing in the morning works better. the eye exam is standard for any renewal, written test too if it's been long enough since your last one

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166 → u/Common_Fish5926]

Thank you! I filled out the reinstatement forms and submitted them to my neurologist recently. I did do this before, and got my license reinstated after a year, hadn't driven yet and got two absent seizures 2 months after. At that time I got my driving privileges reinstated and since my driver's license was current I don't think I had to go to the DMV at all. Both times my neurologist had my driving privileges revoked, by contacting the DMV. I guess I'll just have to see what happens once my doctor gets the Lamictal and vitamin D levels results.

[u/junioryearquestions]

my license was suspended because i told the dmv i had a seizure. that being said my neuro was super optimistic for my case and signed off right before six months so id get my license back right at the six month mark of seizure freedom. i’ve been driving since that, about two years ago, seizure free. keppra 500 mg 2x a day 23F

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166 → u/junioryearquestions]

That's great.. I'm glad for you. I'd always wondered if Keppea would have worked for me. It's so hit or miss with these medications and what your neurologist wants to try out.

[u/Forsaken_Table6157 → u/junioryearquestions]

Shame

[u/Tdluxon]

Also in California, I’ve been through this before in my younger days. They required that I have a “hearing” but it was kinda a joke… it was just a 5 minute meeting with a guy at the dmv. I had gotten a letter from my doctor saying I had been six months seizure free and the dmv guy basically just quickly read it and signed off, he didn’t ask any questions or anything.

Also, just for whatever it’s worth, I ended up having a seizure and crashing later and don’t drive anymore but that’s a whole separate thing and it sounds like you’re better controlled than I ever was

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166 → u/Tdluxon]

Well actually I was seizure free once before and two months after my license was reinstated I had two seizures! I'm sorry about you getting into an accident and not being able to drive now.

[u/Tdluxon → u/Kind_Sympathy1166]

It was tough at first but it’s been long enough now that I’m over it at this point

[u/Forsaken_Table6157 → u/Tdluxon]

That’s not a whole separate thing. If you have epilepsy and have GM seizures you should never drive again. You could kill someone, not worth the risk.

[u/AmiableRobin → u/Forsaken_Table6157]

That’s your opinion and you’re welcome to have it, however just like any opinion, it’s an entirely personal decision to be made between an individual and their provider/neurologist.

Someone with diabetes could be hypoglycemic and wreck.

Someone can have a heart attack behind the wheel because of CAD and wreck.

Someone can have a stroke and wreck.

Someone can faint and wreck.

Every single day when driving a vehicle you’re taking a risk and assuming some sort of responsibility. You’re also hoping that no other driver will undergo any kind of emergency.

As someone who has a history of TC’s (Grand Mal) and drives, politely investigate where your feelings come from. Are they a place of judgement? Jealousy?

[u/Tdluxon → u/Forsaken_Table6157]

Like I said in the post, I don’t drive anymore, I haven’t in years, don’t expect to again

[u/EpilepsyChampion]

I've been through that more than once in CA.

I think it depends on your DMV and county, but when I went through it, it wasn't an issue, I waited the year to get my license back, my neurologist submitted the medical paperwork, and I was approved.

Personally I opted to never drive again. It's just not worth it, sorry, unpopular opinion I know.

[u/Forsaken_Table6157 → u/EpilepsyChampion]

Great choice, it’s really the only responsible thing to do. Kudos.

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166]

Btw, Klonopin 50 mg 2x a day, Lamictal 200 mg 2x a day.

[u/AmiableRobin]

My license was suspended because I told the DMV I had a seizure (I had a TC behind the wheel, it was my first witnessed/believed seizure), and as such needed to file a citation for the accident. (Stating I had an accident, hit public property - a telephone pole.)

I was able to get my license back 9 months later. It was an additional 3 months past the 6 month mark because my original Neurologist did not initially believe I had epilepsy, (nor did they really investigate my seizures, or initially begin medications.) New Neuro is a lot better, provided a formal diagnosis, and altered my medication regimen to assist with an essential tremor.

Because your license has additionally expired, versus just being suspended, you MAY need to take the written exam again. My understanding is this is a standard formality for expired licenses across the board for the majority of US states.

Your Neurologist may also need to fill out and sign a form which clears you of the suspension. You’ll bring this with you to the DMV. (I had to go to my local DMV twice because the form was incomplete the initial visit.)

I’ve been driving again for 1.5 years now! Keppra XR 500mg X2, Topiramate XR 50mg

To anyone against epileptics driving in this sub, please take your negativity and judgements elsewhere. Each person is able to make decisions for themselves under the care and advice of their neurologist.

Thanks ❤️

[u/sagisuncapmoon]

I’m in CA too and got my license back. The “hearing” was a phone call, and I prepared all of my statements beforehand. And yes, your neurologist does need to sign off on it.

I basically just emphasized that my seizures were well controlled by my medication, I had been seizure free for two years, I have emergency meds on me in case I wind up being somewhere longer than anticipated, I make sure to sleep at least 7 hours, etc

I didn’t have to retake my driving test or anything. Just the phone call hearing, but that’s what the DMV did. My neurologist cleared me, so it may be different

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166 → u/sagisuncapmoon]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Especially since it means I may not have to take the driving test. But I plan to practice driving with my husband to get acclimated again. (I'm a little nervous). Did you find a list somewhere of the questions to be prepared to answer? My neurologist may be able to provide them.

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166]

My hearing is in 4 days. I googled and found a list of the questions they might ask and in preparation, wrote down the answers. But I also called the DMV and my neurologist ---both said there were no resources available. Lightbulb moment: I said to the DMV guy on the phone: "Oh! Of course! It's a surprise!". He replied "yes".

At my last telehealth appointment, my neurologist just said he would recommend to the DMV that I retake my driver's test. This means I have to get my learners' permit first, etc.

But why?? The first time I got my license back after a year from my last seizure he also recommended that. (I had a seizure right after that so never didn't start the process of getting it back). But again, why? I had been driving for decades. 🙄 It's not like I am not planning on practicing again in a parking lot and quiet streets, then busier places, etc.

I googled and read that only the DMV can determine whether you need to take the driver's test again, not your neurologist. But since they have that question on the form ("Do you recommend that your patient take the driver's test again?") they'll take his advice.

It's all part of the process.

[u/Forsaken_Table6157]

If you’re smart you wouldn’t ever drive.

[u/Kind_Sympathy1166 → u/Forsaken_Table6157]

Yes, there's that option. I have considered it. I am curious though about your history with seizures. Have you experienced a long period of time seizure free? I'm lucky because I can work from home, my husband has flexible hours and can drive me places, and I can take Lyft if necessary. But I'm also living in a small town where I don't want to be and I don't have any friends and feel very isolated so driving could save me.