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Driving Regulations

D

dgc100

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
My driving licence is due for re-newal. I've done the DIAB1 form and sent it off but at my annual review this afternoon the consultant (who has just replaced my old consultant who retired) has said that the law states that I have to carry a blood glucose monitor in the car at all times in case the police stop me and want to check that my blood level is acceptable. I know I have to check my level before driving and every 2 hours on long trips, but this seems, for want of a better phrase, like a load of junk. She also told me that in order for her to complete her part of the DIAB1 form I must bring my blood glucose monitor into the hospital so they can review it before approving my application. Has anyone else been told this?
 
Blimey, if only they were more prescriptive with drink drivers, I'm sure someone can answer your question soon.
 
Didn't you say you've already sent the form off, unless the DVLA write to your Consultant to support your application I wouldn't worry too much about it, cross that bridge if the DVLA do need supportive evidence.

As for carrying a bg meter in your car, just forget what the regs actually says but you can see the logic in what your consultant has said, if you were to have an accident your bg meter should be evidence that you won't hypo (if that makes sense).

Edit to add, on checking with the DVLA Safe Driving it says a bg meter with strips must be carried with you whilst driving (assuming this means for short & long journeys).
 
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I would do everything they say! My Practice nurse lectured me on testing and driving (which I argued with), she then proceeded to phone the DVLA suggesting that I may not be testing enough (which I do) and they then took my licence away with no warning, court case or consolation. I fought and got it back 2 months later (only a 1 year licence instead of 3) however, it appears that at the moment drink drivers have considerably more rights in law than diabetics. The stress involved in the situation was incredible, job and livelihood all put in jeopardy due to a naive nurse and GP and power crazed (ignorant) medical staff at the DVLA. All trust with my medical support system has been lost!
 
i don't know about anyone else but I alway's carry a meter with me when out of the house. I find it re-assurance. Just to have it with me in case I suspect I may be going low. If driving I always test my blood and stop regularly to do so. I am trying to avoid going low even after 50 yrs. but it happens to all of us.
 
DVLA, LOL. I have never seen a diabetes specialist I saw a DN twice when I was diagnosed but nothing since. GP isn't that interested, so licence renewal goes through easy. The only person telling the truth is me.
 
I am not type 1 but have a friend that's type1, she was told to carry a meter and strips with her but she never did.
A year ago, she had a car accident, and was found to be having a hypo. The police informed the dlvla and she had her licence taken away. But as she said in her own words, how stupid of me and serves me right.
So I would urge people to take meter and strips with them.
I am type 2 and Don, t drive. However the diabetic nurse did say to me that if I was a driver, because I have had a couple of hypos, then to carry meter and strips with me.
 
Thanks for all the responses. I'm not questioning the logic behind this - I think its a very sensible idea and I always have a meter in the car anyway. Its more whether its actually a legal obligation to always carry one when driving as that's the message I was given from the consultant.
 

I think it's expressed as a qualifying condition on your licence - if you can't prove that you are continuing to meet the qualifying conditions, you no longer qualify for your driving licence and the DVLA can take it away.
 
If you don't have your meter kit with you when you get pulled over by the rozzers or have an accident you can't prove you are not driving under the influence of a hypo, and is very much like refusing a breath test - which is an offence.

Drive safely kids!
 
Providing you can demonstrate that you have taken your BG before driving and every two hours therein, you shouldn't need to worry about having the meter on your person. It IS advisable however to carry your meter so you can deem yourself safe to drive/not safe to drive if you feel the symptoms of a hypo coming on. I take my BG before driving and leave it at home most of the time, I rarely drive for more than half an hour.

As for providing evidence of BG testing, this is only a requirement for lorry drivers, bus driver, etc. UNLESS the DVLA request it, but this would probably only be likely if you had declared severe/regular hypos or a diminished ability to detect them.

Your new Dr may just be a little strict to start with, but hopefully once you meet and he/she realises that you know what you're talking about then things will relax a good bit

Grant
 
I've been driving since 1977 and have never had the DVLA write to my GP or anyone else regarding fitness to drive. I am always reminded though by the DVLA to carry a meter and hypo treatment at all times whilst behind the wheel of a car, when I renew my licence.
That meter is yours and every other road users safety net.
 

When you renew your licence they used to ask for your permission to speak to your GP and Hospital, cannot remember if this is now assumed or still asked.

You would not have known if either had been contacted unless you had full access to your medical records or if either state your unfit (which I guess they haven't).
 
Yes you sign a form giving permission for DVLA to contact GP/consultant. As my licence comes back by return of post then it's very doubtful anyone has been contacted, I also asked my GP who's name I put on the form if he had ever heard from the DVLA, he said no why should I have heard from them?
 

I never asked my GP but my hospital did say they get some contact. I never get it returned immediately, always takes around a month or more.
 
The DVLA can & do contact GPs &Consultants.
 
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