Driving

The age you can start learning to drive is 17 years of age.  Having diabetes does not mean that you need to give up driving.  It does mean you have to plan in advance before you get behind the wheel.

What the DVLA says

If your diabetes is treated with insulin or tablets, by law you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you are diabetic as soon as possible.  If your diabetes is treated by diet, you do not need to inform them but you must inform them if your treatment changes.  Once you have sent your form off to the DVLA you will receive another called Diabetic 1 which asks for more information i.e. name and address of your GP and/or hospital doctor.  You will also be asked to fill in a consent form so that the DVLA can approach your doctor.

This does not mean you will be refused a driving licence but the DVLA just need to check that everything is going to be safe whilst you are driving.

Restricted licenses

If you take insulin you will be issued with a licence for one, two or three years.  Just before the expiry date, you will receive a reminder to renew and you will be asked to return your current licence.  You will also be sent another 'Diabetic 1' form to confirm your medical condition.  Renewals of restricted licenses are supplied free of charge.

If your diabetes is treated with tablets or diet, you may be issued with a 'till 70' licence.  However, you should inform the DVLA if you develop any complications as a result of your diabetes or if you require treatment with insulin.  When this licence expires, you will need to renew it every one to three years, just like other people in the UK who are over 70 years.  There is a charge for this renewal.

Hypoglycaemia

Having a hypo whilst driving can be fatal.  Whether driving or not, you should always carry some form of glucose with you and keep glucose tablets, biscuits etc in the car for emergencies.

To avoid having hypos whilst driving you should: -

• Never drive for more than two hours without stopping for a snack
• Not delaying or missing insulin, meal or snack
• Checking your blood glucose before and during a journey

If you think you are having a hypo whilst you are driving you should stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so and do not attempt to start your journey until the symptoms have stopped.  You should take a glucose tablet or some other form of carbohydrate immediately, make it clear that you are no longer in charge of the car by leaving the driving seat, stepping out of the car (if safe to do so) and by removing the ignition key.  This is to refute any suggestion that you are in charge of a car whilst under the influence of any drugs including insulin.

If you have an accident

If you do have a hypoglycaemic episode at the wheel, you could be charged with driving under the influence of a drug, insulin , driving without due care and attention or dangerous driving. Therefore, it is essential that you check your blood glucose levels to make sure this does not happen.  If you are prosecuted, we recommend that you seek legal advice immediately. 

For more information log onto DVLA