DIABETES AND DRIVING LICENCE QUESTIONS

[sugar2]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Smidge,

I am a little confused by your post. I agree with what you and everyone else has said about "if you are not safe to drive, do not drive"..and I too have to undergo the 3 year visual fields test. I hate it, realy, really hate it...but, I have never found the VLA or teh people doing the test anything other than professional and reasonable. The reason I hate the test, is becasue I worry it is going to tell me that my visoion has deterorated severly. I am vaguely aware that I can't see as wide a field of view as I could, pre laser treatment, but it happened so long ago, I seriously doubt I would notice any gradual changes.

Maybe I have been lucky...but I view it as a necessary, if unpleasant experience.

Know what you mean though...I used to live with a girl who only had one "working" eye...and she never told the DVLA...doesn't seem fair sometimes, but I would rather they tightened up on others rather than slackening off on diabetics.

 

[smidge]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Hi Sugar2,

Sorry for being confusing! I just want to be treated fairly and equivalently to everyone else. Luckily, I don't have any eye issues or any other complications of diabetes at the moment, but I have to renew my license every three years just because I'm on insulin - that doesn't feel at all fair to me. If I chose not to be on insulin, I wouldn't have to inform the DVLA of anything and yet I would still be diabetic and far more ill and unsuitable to drive, but by choosing the most appropriate treatment for my condition, I am condemned to pleading for my license every three years. I'm a responsible adult and would certainly not drive if it was unsafe - I always test before driving. I find it degrading and discriminatory that I am not trusted to make reasonable judgements. Most other sections of society are trusted with such decisions and do not have to renew their license regularly. Even convicted drink drivers are trusted to make judgements concerning alcohol and driving again as soon as their sentence has been served - they do not have to check in with the DVLA every three years. It just feels unfair.

In terms of the field of vision eye test, I don't believe there is sufficient evidence to show that failing it means you are unsafe to drive or passing it means you are safe. I believe the test itself is flawed. I have a non-diabetic relative who simply cannot pass that test - he has seen many specialists, and everyone of them has said there is nothing wrong with his eyes or vision. Fortunately, he is not diabetic and therefore does not need to declare his inability to pass this test to the DVLA. The last specialist thought it was because he wears varifocal glasses that causes him to fail the test - he thinks the angle of the test combined with the distance of it makes it difficult to look through the appropriate part of the glasses lens quickly enough. I don't know how likely this is, but the point is if he were diabetic he would lose his license needlessly over this.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I hope you continue to pass your field of vision tests!

Smidge

 

[smidge]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

My own personal opinion is that yes there should be more research done into how your defects actually effect your driving. With added testing (Some sort of driving simulator perhaps + Visual acuity and Visual fields). This costs money... NHS poor... I know ,just a thought!

Hi Babo!

Thanks for your interest in this! You are right, far more research needs to be done into this and proper, conclusive tests should be devised. Until then, we have to put up with this unjust situation

Anyway, welcome to the discussion and thanks for your offer of advice/help to those who need it.

Smidge

 

[Leeds Lass]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum and have just joined today but have been reading peoples posts for a few months now and find it helps me a great deal. I myself am not a diabetic but my partner is a type 1 and has been for about 20 years now.

I have a question for Babo really or anyone else who may know the answer to this, my partner has had about 3 sessions of laser now over the past two years and he has just had an Esterman Field Test done but the optician that carried out the test didn't seem to know if it was okay or not. He scored 82% getting 99/120, there are no missed points in the middle part but he has 3 missed spots on the horizontal line but more towards the edge. Does anyone know if this is a pass for the Dvla?

Hope someone can help.

Leeds Lass x

 

[mrburden]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum and have just joined today but have been reading peoples posts for a few months now and find it helps me a great deal. I myself am not a diabetic but my partner is a type 1 and has been for about 20 years now.

I have a question for Babo really or anyone else who may know the answer to this, my partner has had about 3 sessions of laser now over the past two years and he has just had an Esterman Field Test done but the optician that carried out the test didn't seem to know if it was okay or not. He scored 82% getting 99/120, there are no missed points in the middle part but he has 3 missed spots on the horizontal line but more towards the edge. Does anyone know if this is a pass for the Dvla?

Hope someone can help.

Leeds Lass x

Hi,
From memory, when I took my test, the consultant told me that it looked likely that I would have my licence revoked as there was a complete line of unsighted spots running from the centre to the edge of the eye and the visual field was less than 120 degrees overall. I think that you can miss a few lights as long as they don't fall into an obvious line or create a large blind spot. Obviously there are actual target figures and someone will be able to quote these here, but here is a quote from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Guidelines:

"

the minimum visual field for safe driving is a field of vision of at least 120o on the horizontal meridian measured by the Goldmann perimeter on the III4e settings (or equivalent perimetry). n addition there should be no significant field defect in the binocular field which encroaches within 20o of fixation either above or below the horizontal meridian. By this means, homonymous or bitemporal defects which come within 20o of fixation, whether hemianopic or quadrantanopic, are not accepted as safe for driving. Isolated scotomata represented in the binocular field near to the central fixation area are also inconsistent with safe driving. "

So it would seem that missing a few lights may not be a problem unless they are in a crucial position.

 

[JohnoHynes]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Referring back to an earlier post of mine regarding visual fields standards, if someone has debarring visual fields test results which were caused by something other than a "progressive" condition such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma, they can be granted a licence if they show they have fully adapted to the condition (the human brain can be quite good at adapting to defects). There has been some talk of people with stabilised retinopathy also being included under the "exceptional cases" rule and reading the draft minutes of the Visual Disorders Panel meeting (15th April 2010) on the DVLA website it would appear that they have been looking into this.

The draft minutes of the meeting held on the 4th November 2010 have now been published. Although I don't find it very clear to read, it seems that we could now be considered under these rules. It would involve taking a practical driving assessment and other tests, which I would be more than willing to take. Should such tests the prove to me that I am not safe to drive I would find it easier to accept the decision of the DVLA, which is based on one test only.

Up until my licence was revoked, I was driving on a daily basis with no problems at all. I cannot tell any difference in my vision. If I had found my vision to be impaired I would have given up driving of my own accord.

I agree that the DVLA has a responsibility to keep our roads safe but there does need to be more research done into this area.

I have written to the DVLA asking if there are any more details regarding this issue. I'll let you know what they say, although it's been about a month already and I have not heard from them.

 

[Mohasp53]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

I have had Diabetes on Insulin since 1961, Over the years I am suprised I am still alive. I try to stick to a good control of the condition. At the moment I do not drive due to my licence being revoked failing to pass the field test in 2007. I had been driving since the age of 17, Had laser treatment in 1988 due to growing blood vessels. Living here in Milton Keynes without a car is not ideal due to the restrictions by the very bad bus service provided, The place is built for the car and while I drove I did not use the public transport. I was made redundant in 2008 and am finding it difficult to find a decent job, My wife does drive and can take me to more distant places and take me to work and back if the work place is to far. I miss the independance of getting to a place by myself .But it takes so long to get anywere on transport especially early ot late tines in the day when most of the buses dont operate. I know the DVLC have got there tests on whom they pass, but the test is flawed and no one drives with there head in a fixed position, You move your head and the brain compensates for any loss of side vision, Sitting in the passenger seat I can say that I cam see any problems that can arise. I know I can still walk and am better off than some people, but am still greiving about not driving and miss this so much because I enjoyed using my car. I wish I could get support from others to change this test because it;s just not fair as it is, What do others think?

 

[Leeds Lass]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Which field test did you have? Have you tried taking the test again since you failed? We went to see a specalist last week and he told us you need to do it a few times in a row because it takes practice!

 

[HLW]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

I think the vision requirements for driving tests should be far stricter. I was surprised to be told I was legally allowed to drive without glasses - personally I don't think that would be safe, especially at night. As standard, things like reaction speed should be tested too, and retested every so often along with vision etc.

 

[Mohasp53]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Thanks Leeds lass for advice, I took the Esterman test a few times when the DVLC sent a request to test. My consultant said that I missed some points in the center field this time but not much difference from the 2004 test. He said that one was bourderline. He also said that I had grounds for appeal. At the time in 2007 I was due to circumstances frightned to spend money taking this to appeal. I read that you had little chance of getting your licence back if DVLC have said you do not pass the required field.

 

[Leeds Lass]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

We went to see a specialist about my partners eyes last week because we didn't feel we were getting enough information from the hospital that did the laser. He was brilliant he went through everything with us and understood that we were concerned about the driving aspect of things. We took an Esterman test with us that my partner had done just before christmas and said that it was satisfactory as there were no more than 3 missing points but he also said that the test it's self takes practice, also my partner has a bleed in one of his eyes and he said once that clears up his result should be better.

He also said that they take other things into consideration and each case is different. I would take it further, maybe pay to see a private specialist like we did first before you take it further with the dvla, our specialist send us a brilliant letter fully stating that he had checked his vision and it was fine to drive. If you could get something like that and a recent Esterman test, send them both to the Dvla and wait and see what they say. Anything is worth a try!

Leeds Lass x

 

[Leeds Lass]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Just in case anyone is interested I have just read the DVLA proposals to amend Driving Licence Standards and they have agreed to comply with the EU rules for eyesight, which is good news as they are slighly less strict. The visual field is 20 degrees above and below and 50 degrees left and 50 degrees right which is slightly better, think it was 60 degrees before!

 

[babo456]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum and have just joined today but have been reading peoples posts for a few months now and find it helps me a great deal. I myself am not a diabetic but my partner is a type 1 and has been for about 20 years now.

I have a question for Babo really or anyone else who may know the answer to this, my partner has had about 3 sessions of laser now over the past two years and he has just had an Esterman Field Test done but the optician that carried out the test didn't seem to know if it was okay or not. He scored 82% getting 99/120, there are no missed points in the middle part but he has 3 missed spots on the horizontal line but more towards the edge. Does anyone know if this is a pass for the Dvla?

Hope someone can help.

Leeds Lass x

Sorry for the late reply, i have not checked up on here for a while! I take it your husband will have his results now, so my response may be made redundant! It is hard to say with out acctually seeing the test print out. 3 Points on the horizontal line should be ok, as should the other missed points.

 

[babo456]

Re: DVLA revoked driving licence - any advice?

Hi Sugar2,

Sorry for being confusing! I just want to be treated fairly and equivalently to everyone else. Luckily, I don't have any eye issues or any other complications of diabetes at the moment, but I have to renew my license every three years just because I'm on insulin - that doesn't feel at all fair to me. If I chose not to be on insulin, I wouldn't have to inform the DVLA of anything and yet I would still be diabetic and far more ill and unsuitable to drive, but by choosing the most appropriate treatment for my condition, I am condemned to pleading for my license every three years. I'm a responsible adult and would certainly not drive if it was unsafe - I always test before driving. I find it degrading and discriminatory that I am not trusted to make reasonable judgements. Most other sections of society are trusted with such decisions and do not have to renew their license regularly. Even convicted drink drivers are trusted to make judgements concerning alcohol and driving again as soon as their sentence has been served - they do not have to check in with the DVLA every three years. It just feels unfair.

In terms of the field of vision eye test, I don't believe there is sufficient evidence to show that failing it means you are unsafe to drive or passing it means you are safe. I believe the test itself is flawed. I have a non-diabetic relative who simply cannot pass that test - he has seen many specialists, and everyone of them has said there is nothing wrong with his eyes or vision. Fortunately, he is not diabetic and therefore does not need to declare his inability to pass this test to the DVLA. The last specialist thought it was because he wears varifocal glasses that causes him to fail the test - he thinks the angle of the test combined with the distance of it makes it difficult to look through the appropriate part of the glasses lens quickly enough. I don't know how likely this is, but the point is if he were diabetic he would lose his license needlessly over this.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I hope you continue to pass your field of vision tests!

Smidge

The reason why you have to report to the DVLA is because the likely hood is that you wont notice your vison getting worse unless it is sudden. I have seen many people who say my vision is perfect and when you test them it is clearly not. Most of them are not trying to pull a fast one, its just that you probally wont notice visual loss.

Your non-diabetic relative would be tested by other means if he or she could not pass the automated fields test. If he failed with his varifocals on he should have been tested with out. I always test with out glasses as the glasses frame can block out some of the lights that show up. This is at the disgression of the person conducting the test/Dvla request with or with out glasses and some cases both. In terms of the varifocals making it difficult, it shouldnt make a huge difference as he shouldnt be looking around during the test, if in doubt take them off.

May i ask why he or she was getting the dvla test done if not required?? As there are many different tests carried out on the machine, he may have been being screened for glaucoma or somthing else and getting confused if the doctor said there was somthing wrong with his field.

 

[tighthead3]

diabetes and driving licences.

Hello folks, I just read on a diabetes web site that you have to report diabetes to the DVLA regardless of how it is treated, I just looked on the DVLA website and it clearly states that if you hold a current driving licence for a motorbike or motor car and you are treated with tablets then you do not have to inform them, can anybody shed any light on this?

 

[frazerl]

Re: diabtes and driving licences.

I am not sure about DVLA but I worked for a large insurance company and you will have to notify them or you may find your insurance is void

 

[angieG]

Re: diabtes and driving licences.

If you hold a Group 2 licence (ie: Lorry or Bus) you have to notify DVLA if on tablets.
I don't think it matters for cars, as it says on their website, but it may just be worth giving them a call to tell them as then they know just to be on the safe side.
I had to call them the other day with regards my Group 2 licences and found them very helpful and friendly.
Notify your insurance, it is only a formality to cover yourself. Mine just said thanks for informing us.
Regards
Angie

 

[krs1958]

Re: diabtes and driving licences.

I did ask the DVLA on this point. I take tablets only at the moment for my T2. I was told only if I go on insulin do I need to inform them.

As already posted you do need to let your insurance company know.

 

[Grazer]

Re: diabtes and driving licences.

My understanding from their website is that you don't need to inform them unless your on medication AND you've suffered hypos
Malcolm

 

[cugila]

Re: diabtes and driving licences.

Whilst some of the information posted here is correct, certain aspects are not in accordance with DVLA guidance. That is the place for the up to date and relevant information if you want it to be 100% correct. It isn't always just a simple Yes or No........

INF188/2
Information for drivers of cars or motorcycles with Diabetes treated by tablets, diet or both

Drivers do not need to tell DVLA if their diabetes is treated by tablets, diet or both and they are free of the complications listed below. Some people with diabetes develop associated problems that may affect their driving.

What you need to tell us about. By law you must tell us if any of the following apply:
1. you need treatment with insulin.

2. you need laser treatment to both eyes or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only.

3. you have problems with vision in both eyes, or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only. By law you must be able to read, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary, a car number plate in good light at 20.5 metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet) where narrower characters 50mm wide are displayed.

4. you develop any problems with the circulation or sensation in your legs or feet which make it necessary for you to drive certain types of vehicles only, for example automatic vehicles or vehicles with a hand operated accelerator or brake. This must be noted on your driving licence.

The above also applies to those who use Exanitide (Byetta) and Liraglutide (Victoza). No need to notify DVLA unless as above appies (1 - 4 inclusive).

Here is a link to the appropriate downloaded guidance notes from the DVLA.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/medical/ataglance.aspx