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Epilepsy - driving licence assessment

If you have epilepsy or have had an epileptic seizure, laws and regulations determine whether you meet the health requirements for a driving licence. To assess whether you meet the health requirements, your medical history and completed investigations will be reviewed. You may need to undergo long-term EEG monitoring.

Epilepsy

About epilepsy and driving

As a driver, you are responsible for ensuring that you meet road safety requirements. Epileptic seizures while driving can have serious consequences because your attention is reduced and your reaction time is longer. Laws and regulations therefore determine whether you meet the health requirements for a driving licence if you have epilepsy or have had an epileptic seizure.

An EEG can record changes in the brain's electrical activity, such as epileptic activity/seizures, and can often provide information about the likelihood of you having further epileptic seizures.

For referrals to the National Centre for Epilepsy, see the specific referral criteria here 

Before

Arrive with freshly washed hair and no styling products. Remember to bring a hairbrush or comb.

Take your regular medicines, including epilepsy medication, as usual.

During

You will usually be admitted to hospital when long-term EEG monitoring is needed to assess whether you meet the requirements for holding a driving licence. The examination involves 24 hours of long-term EEG and video monitoring. We want to see whether you may have small, brief seizures that you may not notice yourself.

We may test your attention and ask you to repeat what is said or answer simple questions.
You may also be asked to breathe quickly and deeply (hyperventilate), and rapid flashes of light may be shown during the recording (photic stimulation).

You will receive more information about this when you come for the examination.

If you often have brief bursts of epileptic activity during EEG, we will also test your reaction time using computer-based testing equipment. You will be asked to press a button as quickly as you can when you see a flash of light. Some people may also be tested in a simple computer-based driving simulator with a steering wheel and pedals. You will be given clear information in advance about how the test works.

You may also be asked to count or read aloud from a book for a period of time.

The examination is not painful.


Watch the film "Can I drive?":

 


 

After

The examination does not cause side effects or complications.

You will discuss the results of the examination with your doctor before you go home.

Frequently asked questions

Am I entitled to a driving licence if I have not had a seizure for one year?
No. If the examination shows that you have small, brief seizures during which it is clear that your awareness and ability to react are reduced, the doctor in charge may determine that you do not meet the health requirements for a driving licence, even if you feel that you have not had any seizures.

Do the driving licence rules also apply to driving practice?
Yes, the same health requirements apply to driving practice. You may therefore be referred here for an examination when you are 15 if it is uncertain whether you can start driving practice when you turn 16.


Last professionally updated 20.02.2022

Contact

  • Contact the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (BUA)

    Location

    Please report to the reception desk for the paediatric department, 6E, on the 6th floor of the main building



    Sørlandet sykehus Arendal sett fra luften.

    Sørlandet Hospital Arendal

    Sykehusveien 1

    Sykehusveien 1, 4838 Arendal

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you must pay a co-payment. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    At the hospital pharmacy in Arendal, you can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.
    You will find us on the ground floor of the main building, just inside the entrance.
    Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Arendal Hospital Pharmacy

    Does your appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally via helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are due to visit if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user of Helsenorge to access this service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the hospital switchboard at: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill, and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient yourself, a relative, or a parent of sick children with siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as relatives


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital’s departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    5:00–7:00 p.m. on weekdays
    2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    2:00–3:00 p.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m.
    Maternity ward: 5:00–7:00 p.m. (quiet time/no visitors: 2:00–4:00 p.m.)

    Kristiansand:
    5:00–7:00 p.m. on weekdays
    2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal ward: 4:00–6:00 p.m. every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    The patient library in Arendal is located in the basement of the main building. It is self-service and open 24 hours a day. You can borrow books and read newspapers and magazines here.

    Many people like to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. Please take this into consideration.

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. This is of course permitted, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few helpful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Respect others. You must obtain consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or post pictures of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. Once the child is 12, their wishes must be given considerable weight. Once the child is 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you participate for private use. However, publishing or sharing recordings requires consent from the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not participate is illegal.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include, for example, a hospital stay, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. In that case, your GP must test you for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (such as MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test result before your appointment with us, and bring it with you when you come to the hospital.

    For a day visit or hospital admission, please bring the following:

    • Bring indoor shoes, a change of clothes and toiletries
    • Bring your regular medication. It may take time to obtain the equivalent medication from the pharmacy.
    • Bring a medication list/overview of your regular medication
    • Medical equipment for everyday use

    Sometimes we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your relatives. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of beliefs or religion.

    In Arendal, the hospital’s quiet room/chapel is in the basement of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the ground floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the car park, to the left of the main entrance.

    It is also possible to hold a memorial service in the chapel following a death. Please contact the hospital chaplains to arrange this.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone who would like a quiet space for reflection. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

    Kiosk
    The kiosk is located in the lobby on the first floor.

    The kiosk sells newspapers, weekly magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, cards, flowers, some toiletries and various gift items.

    You can also buy buns, chicken wraps, rolls, salads, calzones, paninis and hot dogs.

    Opening hours:
    Monday-Friday: 07:00-21:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:00-20:00

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking with EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. See the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking via the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment online

    Overview of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers when entering and exiting the parking garage through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io​, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter the vehicle registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer with your vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will pay automatically every time you park in the garage.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend allowing plenty of time.

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are charged from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You therefore cannot rely on being able to charge your car while you are at the hospital as a patient or visitor. You can see all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors park free of charge at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Parents/guardians of children (under 18) who are staying in hospital for more than 14 dayscan park free of charge for the remainder of the child's stay. This also applies if the child's stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles with disabled parking permits are exempt from time limits unless otherwise stated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Free parking is available for expectant mothers outside the Women's Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Care benefits compensate for lost income when you care for a child who needs constant supervision and care due to illness or injury. Read more about, among other things,care benefits, assistance and basic benefitsandNational Insurance benefitsat NAV.

    The Breathing Space is a place of respite for children and young people whose seriously ill parents or siblings are admitted to hospital, or who are themselves admitted to the hospital in Arendal. The departments have keys to the room and can provide more information about the service. The room is on the basement floor of Wing C and has, among other things, a TV, computer and games.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free environment.

    The Service Desk in Arendal is right by the main entrance. You can ask questions here about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:00-21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 09:00-20:00.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in a variety of life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available 24/7 for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and life-stance communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please inform the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The health service covers the cost of the interpreter.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital's free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the login instructions.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

    If your child has been exposed to chickenpox or has chickenpox, please contact us. The scheduled appointment/admission must then be postponed. This also applies if you are planning to visit the Children's and Young People's Department. Chickenpox can be dangerous for some of our patients.

  • Contact the Department of Neurology

    Location

    Sørlandet Hospital Kristiansand:
    Neurology outpatient clinic, 1st floor.
    Sørlandet Hospital Arendal:
    Medical/neurology outpatient clinic, 2nd floor: 2E.

    Address

    Visiting hours

    • Today
      • 14:00 - 16:00
      • 18:00 - 19:00
    En by omgitt av trær og en elv

    Sørlandet Hospital Kristiansand

    Egsveien 100, building 10

    Egsveien 100, building 10, 4615 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    ​You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    ​You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you must pay a patient copayment. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    The hospital bus is a transport service for patients between the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand.

    There is also a return route between Vigeland, Mandal and Kristiansand.

    See timetables

     

    Practical information

    ​​At the hospital pharmacy in Kristiansand, you can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.

    You’ll find us on the 1st floor of the main building, right by the entrance.
    Open every weekday from 08:30 to 16:30.

    Kristiansand Hospital Pharmacy

    Does the appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally via helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are due to visit if you need to reschedule. You must be a registered user of helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill, and they need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient or a relative, or you may be a parent of a sick child who has siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as next of kin


    ​​Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00–15:00 and 18:00–19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00–19:00 (quiet time/no visitors: 14:00–16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Maternity ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    Most of the inpatient wards in Kristiansand have a small collection of books that patients and relatives can borrow. Contact your ward for further information and assistance.

    Many people wish to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our wards are flower-free. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients also have allergic reactions to perfume or fragranced creams. We ask you to be considerate of this.

    Many patients and relatives wish to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. Of course, you may do so as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few good tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients have the right to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or post photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. Once the child has turned 12, their views must be given significant weight. Once the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether they are happy to be photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not comply, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recordings
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you take part for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not take part is illegal.

    Our hairdresser is located on the third floor of the hospital’s main building and is open to everyone. If needed, the hairdresser can come to the ward. The hairdresser also fits wigs. Opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 16:00.
    To book an appointment: 94 81 59 01 

    See alsowww.harspesialisten.noto book an appointment.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include, for example, a hospital stay, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. If so, your GP must test you for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (for example, MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test results before your appointment with us, and bring them with you when you come to the hospital.

    Sometimes we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your relatives. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or faith.

    In Arendal, the hospital’s quiet room/chapel is in the basement of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the ground floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the car park, to the left of the main entrance.

    It is also possible to hold a memorial service in the chapel following a death. To arrange this, contact the hospital chaplains.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 for those who would like a space for quiet and reflection. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends.

    ​Kiosk
    You will find the kiosk on the ground floor in the main building’s foyer at Eg.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 08:00–20:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:30–20:00

    At the kiosk, you can buy newspapers, magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, flowers, cards and various gifts.

    Cafeteria
    The “Kilden” cafeteria is located next to the kiosk and has the same opening hours.

    The cafeteria serves, among other things, bread rolls, baguettes, salad, cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.

    If you have a serious illness that requires treatment or follow-up over a period of time, you may be entitled to be assigned an attending physician in the specialist health service.

    The attending physician scheme in the specialist health service is intended to ensure that your follow-up as a patient is better, safer and more effective. Having an attending physician is a right for you as a patient and an obligation for the specialist health service.

    The attending physician’s responsibilities

    The attending physician has a particular responsibility for following up with you during treatment or follow-up in the specialist health service. The attending physician’s responsibilities are to:

    • be your regular medical contact throughout your course of care
    • be involved in your treatment or follow-up
    • stay informed about the status of your treatment
    • help ensure that your course of care proceeds as planned
    • contact the relevant staff/treatment unit if there are challenges with your course of care
    • provide information to you and your relatives
    • be available to you and healthcare personnel for medical questions
    • An attending physician does not replace your GP.

    Guide to the attending physician scheme in the specialist health service

     

    We encourage everyone to use their mobile phones considerately and be mindful of their fellow patients. It is important to put your phone on silent at night, and on silent or vibrate during the day. To avoid disturbing other patients, it is a good idea to leave the room if you need to have a long conversation.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking using EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. See the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking using the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Map of parking areas at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers when entering and leaving the parking garage through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.ioyou can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter the vehicle registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer using your vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will be charged automatically every time you park in the garage.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend allowing plenty of time.

    For electric vehicles:

    Electric vehicles are charged from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You therefore cannot count on being able to charge your car while you are here as a patient or visitor. You can find all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors park free of charge at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Parents/guardians of children (under 18) who are hospitalised for more than 14 daysreceive free parking for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise indicated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Free parking is available for expectant mothers outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping keep Sørlandet Hospital smoke-free.

    The Service Desk in Kristiansand is right by the main entrance. You can contact the desk with questions about your hospital appointment.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:30–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 08:00–21:00.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in different life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available around the clock, every day of the week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and life-stance communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please inform the hospital well in advance of your appointment. Interpreter costs are covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest on your network and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.