Diabetes

jac1poppy2
jac1poppy2 Community member Posts: 54 Connected

Can I drive a car with type two diabetes on insulin as my numbers above 5 but below 15 or do I need to surrender my liscence but need car to drive my elderly mum around between home and docs

Comments

  • Pammi4
    Pammi4 Community member Posts: 6 Listener

    I don’t know if this is any help jac1poppy2 but my 20 year old daughter was diagnosed not long ago with type 1 diabetes and as she relies on insulin had to tell DVLA and they’ve given her medical license for 1 year and think they extend every year as long as you don’t have too many hypos we got our information from DVLA website I don’t know if it will be different for type 2 but it’s got all the information there hope this helps some

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 4,438 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @jac1poppy2, I don't have diabetes myself so I hope one of our members will be able to share their experience too. But from the information I could find, you do need to tell the DVLA about your Diabetes. They'll ask you some questions and decide whether you're safe to drive.

    It doesn't necessarily mean that your licence will be taken away. If your diabetes is well controlled and you don't experience eye problems, it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but you will still need to notify the DVLA.

    Diabetes and driving - GOV.UK

    Hopefully one of our members with more experience can help offer some advice too, but that's just what I could find from the DVLA information 😊

  • Jamhan
    Jamhan Community member Posts: 12 Connected

    you need to notify DVLA, they will issue you with a 3 year medical license and also your car insurance.


    you can’t drive if you blood sugars are below 5 and have to test your blood sugars no longer than 3 hours before driving.


    hope this helps x

  • Jamhan
    Jamhan Community member Posts: 12 Connected

    sorry meant 2 hours x

  • jae377
    jae377 Community member Posts: 38 Contributor

    You can indeed. However the following applies.

    You must notify DVLA and complete form they send you.(DIAB1)

    Your licence will change to a Restricted on medical grounds one, this means that you will lose all categories* except "B" and be granted for a maximum of 3 years, but can be less initially. This imposes a MGTW limit than you can fall foul of it you have a heavy vehicle and tow e.g. a large caravan.

    You are legally obliged to test before driving and carry 30 days of test results with you whilst driving.

    You may not drive if blood sugars are below 5.

    • be aware that this includes C1 & D1 not just HGV etc. meaning you have to be very careful if you drive multi seat vehicles, large vans, a Campervan etc.

    You can apply to re-instate C1 D1 BUT you have to pass the medical designed for professional drivers driving 48 hours per week. There is no provision for "social and domestic" driving as one would have on insurance for a campervan. This medical is strict.