Seizures
Driving in Alberta after a first-time seizure
If you think you've had a seizure for the first time, you cannot legally drive. This information tells you what to do after a first-time seizure and when you might be able to drive again.
What is a seizure?
Your brain sends electrical signals to control how your body works and moves. When a seizure happens, there’s a sudden interruption to these signals. This interruption can affect your movement, speech, vision, and awareness.
Having a seizure while you are driving could cause you or someone else to be seriously hurt or killed.
If you think you've just had a seizure, call 911 right away or have someone take you to your nearest emergency department or urgent care centre.
Where should I report a first-time seizure?
You need to contact Alberta Driver and Fitness Monitoring. Tell them you may have had a seizure and your medical team is looking into what happened. To contact them:
After hearing from you, Alberta Driver Fitness and Monitoring will send you a letter asking for more details and for your medical information.
When can I drive again?
After a first-time seizure, 2 things need to happen before you can drive again:
- A doctor or nurse practitioner needs to check your health, do tests, and review the results.
- Alberta Driver Fitness and Monitoring needs to review your file and confirm that it’s safe for you to drive. They will send you a letter or an email to tell you their decision.
If you have had a single seizure and had normal test results, you can usually return to driving in 3 months. If your test results are abnormal or you are diagnosed with epilepsy, then you usually cannot return to driving until 6 months have passed from your last seizure.
If your doctor finds certain reasons for your seizure (like if it was related to using alcohol or other drugs), you may need to wait longer before you can return to driving.
What other precautions should I take after a first-time seizure?
Besides not driving, here are examples of other safety precautions to take after a first-time seizure:
- Stay away from heights (for example, don’t climb a ladder or go on a roof).
- Don’t go swimming.
- Don’t take a bath when you’re alone.
- Don’t use heavy equipment or machinery.
This isn’t a complete list. Use your best judgment. Don’t do anything that could be risky in case you have another seizure. Talk to your specialist about when you can do different activities again. They will advise you about what is and isn’t safe for you.
Watch closely for any changes in your health and contact your healthcare provider or Health Link at 811 if you have any problems.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=custom.ab_seizures_driving_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: November 27, 2025
Author: Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, & Vision, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
