Driving with Diabetes
You may need to inform the DVLA that you have diabetes
Having diabetes does not mean you cannot drive a car or a motorbike. Given that your diabetes is well controlled, and you doctor states that you are safe to drive, there is no reason why you cannot have or hang on to a driving licence.
Nonetheless, you may need to let your insurance company and the Driving and Vehicle Licence Agency (DVLA) know that you have diabetes.
Who do I need to inform about my diabetes?
No matter how your diabetes is treated, you must by law inform your insurance company that you have diabetes.
- If your diabetes is treated with insulin, you must inform the DVLA.
- If you are applying for a driving licence for the first time, and your diabetes is treated with tablets or insulin, you also must inform the DVLA.
- You must inform the DVLA if any diabetes complications develop that may affect your ability to drive safely.
- If you fail to inform the DVLA or your insurance company then your driving insurance will be invalid.
- You do not need to tell the DVLA if you are treated by diet alone or by tablets that do not bring on hypoglycemia. However, if you change from tablets to insulin treatment, then they must be informed.
You do not need to tell the DVLA if you are treated by:
- Diet alone
- By tablets which carry no risk of hypoglycemia
- Non-insulin injectable medication such as Byetta or Victoza (unless you are also on tablets which do carry a risk of hypos)
Tablets which are deemed to carry a risk of hypoglycemia are sulfonylureas and prandial glucose regulators.
Unless you have other complications or reasons that may affect your ability to drive. For information on the current DVLA guidelines, please visit the official DVLA and Direct.gov.uk websites.
- For more information about informing the DVLA, DVLA guidelines and the current medical rules for UK drivers, please visit: Direct.gov.uk: Medical rules for drivers
Why do I need to inform the DVLA that I have diabetes?
The way your diabetes is treated may or may not affect the type of licence you have. The DVLA will want to check that you are fit to be driving and so they will contact your healthcare team to get an assessment of your suitability to drive.
- For more information about informing the DVLA and applying for a C1/C1+E licence please see our guide to Applying for a Driving Licence.
Driving safely
You should not drive if you;
- Have difficulty recognising the early signs of hypoglycemia.
- Have problems with your eyesight, which are not corrected with glasses.
- Have numbness or weakness in your limbs.
- Have been drinking alcohol.
If you are unsure about any of these you can talk to your diabetes team for more advice. Read more about Driving and Hypoglycemia
What's more, diabetic complications may or may not affect you eligibility to drive, and is generally dependent on whether the symptoms themselves impair your driving ability. Read more about Driving and Diabetes Complications.
Driving for your work
If you drive for work and are diagnosed with diabetes, you may be worried about whether you can continue working. A different set of factors apply depending on whether your diabetes is treated with insulin, tablets or diet alone and what class of vehicle you intend to drive.
Driving Insurance
Whilst you must inform your insurance company about your diabetes, this should only affect your car insurance premiums if you are put onto a restricted licence. Car insurance companies are not allowed to discriminate against people with diabetes. If you are on a restricted licence, you may see your insurance premiums rise, however, a suitable amount of shopping around for a good quote can help to make up for this.
- Diabetes driving information is subject to change as the DVLA adapts its rules. For up to date information please visit: DVLA.gov.uk
- DVLA: 0870 240 0009
- DVLA Medical Enquiries: 0870 600 0301
