Driver on epilepsy drug appeals licence ban

A driver who was prescribed an anti-epilepsy drug after falling from his wagon and suffering head injuries has had his licence revoked for 10 years.

Chris Perrin slipped off the side of his lorry in March, fracturing his skull and damaging his shoulder and ribs.

After his release from hospital, he was prescribed Phenytoin and told this would prevent him having seizures, meaning he could continue to drive an HGV.

However, Perrin has since been told by the DVLA that he cannot drive a truck for 10 years because he is taking the medication.

Perrin, a Palletworks employee who has been an HGV driver for 26 years, says: "I've never had a seizure and was given Phenytoin because it would prevent me from having any.

"I could understand if it was one year, but 10 seems over the top. It's left me distraught."

He has contacted the DVLA to question the decision, and has also spoken to Phenytoin manufacturer Pfizer for advice.

"I hope I can at least keep my car licence, so I can drive vans and do parcel deliveries," Perrin adds.

The DVLA is unable to comment on specific cases, but a spokeswoman confirms it has contacted Perrin to discuss his situation.

However, she says: "Drivers of Group 2 vehicles (above 3.5 tonnes) are subject to more stringent health standards than those required for Group 1. A Group 2 driver who suffers a serious head injury may have their entitlement revoked or refused."

She adds that licences to drive Group 2 vehicles may not be issued to those suffering, or liable to suffer from epileptic seizures. "Return to driving will depend on specialist assessment and clinical recovery."

A Pfizer spokesman says: "The DVLA has its own criteria for deciding on fitness to drive in patients on any type of anti-epileptic medication."