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Driving and Diabetes.

M

merlinsmate

Member
Messages
5
Hi everyone.....thanks for all the previous advice you have passed on since my son was diagnosed.

The overall treatment has been 1st rate from all the various people he has had to see....with one exception.
It seems our doctors team may not have encountered a case of diabetes before judging by their antics during the month.To say they are the weakest link would not be going too far.
From trying to get the original appointment and turning up at the surgery with my son only an hour from a bed in Internsive Care (and they still said he would have to wait his turn)....to trying to get a form for prescription excemption and on to prescriptions correct and on time.
It is still a mystery to them that he needs the same amount of lancets and strips.They keep giving him 200 of one and only 50 of another,despite many written instructions from us.

My reason for posting today is about driving with Diabetes.
My son had to fill in a form for the DVLA and now has got to send in his Photo License top be replaced by a 3 yearly renewable one .....is this normal ?

Thanks for your time
Keith :)
 
yes it is completely normal... Every 3 years as long as you remain hypo aware, eyesight etc all complies with licence bits you'll get another 3 years..

He does need to remember though during the 3 years that it is his responsiblity to inform DVLA of any changes, to stop driving immediately if he starts to lose his hypo awareness, and every time he's behind the wheel that he ensures to the best of his knowledge that he safe to drive..

Means taking a BG before each trip, should idealy be above 5mmol/l, if he hasn't eaten for a little bit then to eat a carb snack just incase his BG is on the drop.. Keep what he uses for hypo treatment or sweets such as jelly babies in the car near at hand for emergencies. Never know when you get caught in a traffic jam! If driving long distances, meal/snack before you go and regular pit stops to check BG and snack if required etc..
 
Agree with Jopar.....I just got notified by DVLA (after a hypo incident whilst driving) that I will be able to keep driving.,,,,,my advice is this:

DVLA's advice that they sent out to me today was:
''Do not drive if you feeel hyp or if your BG is less than 4.0''

Later in literature they say:
''If glucose is 5 or less take a snack before driving''

I cannot emphasis enough how important it is to be safe to self and others whilst driving. The DVLA do not automatically revoke driving licences, and yes, they do have to be renewed every 3 years. Please, please ensure that your son NEVER takes any risks, and that he ALWAYS does a BG before driving.

It is automatic that T1's are issued 3 year licences. I cannot over emphasis to be honest and truthful in completing forms. The DVLA people have been excellent with me, but I have had a battle with GP's, Consultants, even writing to my MP and under enormous pressure after a stupid, needless incident whilst driving.

The DVLA do take a time to correspond, and it will probably be 100 days before you get a response, but providing your son's Medical Persons say he is safe to continue to drive then, he should. HOWEVER, please, please get him to have a meter in his car always (mine is under my handbrake, so a great reminder before driving off) and get him ALWAYS to test before he drives...just like clunk click.....don't drive if below 5.......
 
Sorry to hijack the thread but I have a driving question.
In 1997 I was put on insulin for my type 2 diabetes and infromed the DVLA but never heard anything back so assumed all was ok. But after reading this thread I now realise I should have chased it up further. I am worried now if I reinform them will I be punished or will the just take the info from now and act on that?
 
Not sure if DVLA need to know if you are type 2, but worthwhile just giving them a ring to check. Their staff have very helpful (when you can get through). I think it used to depend on what type of medicine you are taking.
 
I have had type 2 for two years and am insulin controlled. When I infomed DVLA they gave me a lisence for 1 year! that ran out in July and am STILL waiting for new one to arrive!
 
Just a bit of clarification regarding the Driving issue..........

For the latest information....August 2010.....from the DVLA check this link and download the Medical Advice Guide.

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

To summarise:

As a Diabetic on diet only or tablets and certain injectable anti Diabetic drugs (Exanatide) you are not required to notify the DVLA. If you have other conditions which are listed in the guide then other criteria may apply. Check carefully.

You are required to inform the DVLA if your Diabetes is controlled by insulin.

In ALL cases, inform your insurance company of your Diabetes immediately and at each renewal and inform them of any changes in your condition or its treatment. Challenge your insurer if you feel you are being discriminated against because of your Diabetes. If you are still not satisfied, switch to another insurance company. There are plenty around who will want your business.......
 
Thanks to everyone for your usual informative answers.
will pass them on to my son and he will be reasured he is doing things properly.
thanks
Keith :D
 
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