What should be done for a driver with a diagnosis of epilepsy?

A driver diagnosed with epilepsy should be disqualified from obtaining a medical certification to drive commercial motor vehicles until they meet specific medical criteria. According to FMCSA guidelines, individuals with epilepsy may pose a risk to themselves and others on the road if they experience seizures that are not well-controlled.

The disqualification is based on the understanding that seizures can impair a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely, including potential loss of consciousness or control. The FMCSA typically requires that a driver must be seizure-free for a specific period (usually at least 10 years) and should be under medical management with a neurologist's oversight before being considered for a medical certification.

While offering temporary certification or requiring annual evaluations may seem like ways to assess the condition continually, they do not address the immediate safety concerns of allowing someone who may have uncontrolled seizures to operate a vehicle. Therefore, disqualifying the driver helps ensure public safety and adherence to federal regulations regarding commercial driving.