§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has completed consultations on the proposed changes in the regulations about epilepsy and driving licences, which he announced in his reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Ancram) on 3 December, Official Report, c. 195.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe have today laid regulations to come into operation on 21 April which will make it easier for people who have had epileptic attacks to qualify for driving licences. The period free from all attacks before an ordinary licence can be issued will be reduced from three to two years. Applicants for heavy goods vehicle drivers' licences must have been free from any epileptic attack since reaching the age of five, instead of three. We intend to make a similar provision for public service vehicles drivers' licences.
As a result of comments received in the consultation process, and on the further consideration and advice of the Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Epilepsy, licences will continue to be granted to people who have established a pattern of attacks only whilst asleep over a period of more than three years.