- David Hort
Driving with diabetes - FAQ
In light of a series of reports on the possibility of UK diabetics having their driving licenses revoked due to potential new European Union regulations, we’ve compiled a guide to driving and diabetes in the UK.
The EU says that some sufferers may have their driving licenses revoked if the risk of a hypoglycaemic attack (hypo) – where people can lose consciousness – while driving is deemed high.
Information relating to diabetes and driving is likely to become more complicated as regulations pile up. A new EU directive means the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Association (DVLA) is performing stricter checks on diabetics, potentially making it harder from those with the condition to retain their driving licence.
We’ve collected some useful information and advice on driving with diabetes.
The DVLA
The DVLA enforces the restrictions and criteria set out by the government which dictate who can or can’t have a driving licence.
For diabetes sufferers there is a wide range of guidelines which affects their application process.
• Generally, diabetes sufferers will not be refused a category one driving licence if their condition is under control and there is no risk of a hypo behind the wheel.
• The DVLA requires all diabetics who control their condition with insulin to inform them of that fact. Those who control their diabetes through a diet or tablets are generally approved straight away.
• Those who use insulin will be assessed by the DVLA to see whether there is a serious risk of a hypo whilst driving. They will seek permission to check your medical records and speak to your GP or carer.
If your application is approved, you will be given a licence which lasts for anywhere between one and three years. Towards the end of that period you will receive a new application form for the paper part of your licence. You are required to fill and return the form in order to get your replacement.
The whole process takes six to eight weeks, is free of charge and you should have your replacement before your licence expires.
What if my licence expires and I haven’t received my replacement?
This seldom happens however if it does you are legally able to drive without the paper part of your licence, as long as your doctor has confirmed that you are still fit and able enough to do so.
The photocard of your licence will not need to be renewed every one to three years but it will need to be updated every ten years, when you will have to pay a renewal fee.
What to tell the DVLA?
It’s important to inform the DVLA about your condition when applying for your licence but also once your licence has been issued.
If your condition worsens and you don’t tell the DVLA and you have a hypo behind the wheel, you can be charged with dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs (insulin) and driving without due care and attention.
So if your condition changes, even slightly, it’s important to inform the DVLA.
When to inform the DVLA
The DVLA says you should inform them if:
• You have more than one hypo in the space of 12 months.
• If medical advisors think your condition is worsening.
• You have a hypo or experience symptoms whilst driving.
Category 2 licences
Category Two licences are more restricted because of the size of the vehicles you will be driving, the likely number of passengers and the increased length of time you’re likely to spend behind the wheel.
Those with diabetes treated by tablets or diet are able to hold Category Two licences but whose who are treated by insulin are unable to hold those licences at the moment.
The law governing Category two licences is set to be reviewed in October 2011. It is expected that those whose diabetes is treated by insulin will be granted permission to drive Lorries, coaches and buses as long as they are deemed fit enough to do so.
There will be strict criteria governing Group two licences, which are outlined here.
Risks for drivers with diabetes
The risks for drivers with diabetes are obvious and focus on hypos, but that is not to say that all diabetes sufferers are in danger. If the DVLA believes you can control your diabetes then you should be given the all clear to drive.
Those at risk will need to inform the DVLA if they use insulin or a number of medications (for a full list of medications, follow the link).
Insurance cover
It’s not unknown for diabetics to be refused insurance cover and charged higher premiums than those without, because of the risk of a hypo whilst driving.
Insurers are legally allowed to refuse cover and charge higher premiums if they have evidence to suggest that you are more at risk when driving because of your diabetes; however without that evidence it is illegal to refuse cover under the Disability Discrimination Act.
There is little evidence to suggest you are more at risk than others if your diabetes is considered as under control. That’s why many insurers will not ask whether you have diabetes when arranging your insurance quote and many will not raise your premium solely because of your diabetes.
Even if an insurer doesn’t ask if you suffer from diabetes, declare it. The same applies if your condition worsens because failure to do so can invalidate your insurance cover.
Preventing hypos whilst driving
There are a range of tips outlined by the DVLA and other diabetes agencies which outline how best to avoid having a hypo and whilst they are well known to sufferers, it is worth outlining them:
• Carry glucose products at all times and keep some permanently in your car.
• Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly – the DVLA advises a memory meter to monitor blood sugar levels over a longer period.
• If you detect symptoms of a hypo, stop driving, remove the key from the ignition and remove yourself from the car.
Remember, if you are caught behind the wheel of a car and you are experiencing a hypo, you could be accused of dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention or driving under the influence of drugs.
• Drive only short distances and take lots of breaks during which you can monitor blood-sugar levels.
• Snack frequently.
Image used courtesy of elgringospain via creative commons licence.