Epilepsy and driving licenses - A questionnaire survey in Hiroshima after introducing new driving regulations

Abstract

The driving regulations in Japan were amended in 2002, which granted license to persons with epilepsy (PWE) under certain conditions. To clarify the effect and identify any problems after the new driving regulations, a questionnaire survey were carried out both to the driving authorities of Hiroshima and to the doctors in charge of practices. The results were as follows : 1. Many doctors recognized the new regulations, but negatively informed their PWE. 2. As news of the change spread, the increase in the number of PWE, who newly applied and obtained driving license rose markedly compared to the general population (38.1% vs 12.5% ; p