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Driving with diabetes

O

olliefraser

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi guys, I am new to this forum by the way but I had a few questions some of you may be able to help with. I was diagnosed with type 1 at 12 years old, now I am 18 I want to learn to drive but I wanted to ask what I would be expected to do/provide in order to do so.

Cheers
 
Welcome!

Hmm I learned to drive before I was T1 so I just get my medical report every 3 years and fail to report my severe hypos, like everyone else (ahem!) ;-)

I'm not sure how it works if you are T1 before you get a licence. But it must be possible. Anyone know?
 
Haha, somehow I think I'd end up doing that If I am able to drive, as I can't be bothered with all the hassle ;-) but I am pretty well controlled and I can feel if my blood is starting to dip on the low side
 
Hi Ollie, You will need to fill in a medical form you can download this to save time plus a driving licence application form. You might be required to provide 3 months worth of blood sugar results. Form asks for consultants name and address plus GP and asks a few questions. Just make sure you read the form very carefully regarding the hypo question. Many have misread it and ticked the wrong box and thus lost their licence. Good luck with your application and driving.
 
Good point about reading the form carefully. The key thing is the definition of a severe hypo. It is defined (for DVLA purposes) as one that you needed someone else's help in order to treat.
 
If that's the case spiker you do not have a valid driving licence or insurance. Any admissions to hospital or ambulance calls are reported to your GP and go on your hospital records. So mind you don't end up in a lot of trouble.
 
Thanks a lot for the help everybody, I appreciate it fortunately I have never had a severe hypo, I have always managed to control it myself with glucose tablets and snacks. (Personally I prefer the Lucozade tablets to the Dextros ones)
 
CarbsRok said:
If that's the case spiker you do not have a valid driving licence or insurance. Any admissions to hospital or ambulance calls are reported to your GP and go on your hospital records. So mind you don't end up in a lot of trouble.
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Sense of humour, @CarbsRok?
 
olliefraser said:
Thanks a lot for the help everybody, I appreciate it fortunately I have never had a severe hypo, I have always managed to control it myself with glucose tablets and snacks. (Personally I prefer the Lucozade tablets to the Dextros ones)
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That is great news, this will go a long way when you eventually pass your test and the DVLA are deciding if to issue you with a 1, 2 or 3 year licence.
 
I feel so welcome here, thanks ... also when I provide the DVLA with 3 months of blood readings, will it matter if I have a few high readings? I don't usually but sometimes if I haven't given enough insulin or something it'll be a little higher.
 
olliefraser said:
I feel so welcome here, thanks ... also when I provide the DVLA with 3 months of blood readings, will it matter if I have a few high readings? I don't usually but sometimes if I haven't given enough insulin or something it'll be a little higher.
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Hi Ollie, DVLA don't worry about highs just the lows. It's very unusual for them to ask for the results but just in case make sure you have it all written down. I've never been asked for results or had a GP consultant check made.

I would suggest though that if you have a DSN or consultant then you ask them their opinion before applying for your licence. If you ask in writing and Consultant writes back no problem, then enclose the letter (photo copy) to the dvla as this will save time.
 
If DVLA want medical information the DVLA medical department will contact your doctor directly, which is why you need to provide your consent to that when you apply. Other than your declarations in the form, for a normal licence you don't need to send any medical information to DVLA, nor would they accept [it] from you if you did.

It's worth considering whether to give your GP's details when applying, or your hospital consultant's details. It depends which one you think will put your case best.
 
The form asks for both, if you have a consultant Yes they do accept a letter it saves them a lot of leg work time and money.
 
I sent them my form after iv went on insulin about six weeks ago but have heard nothing back from dvla. Do they always come back to you one way or another???
 
They do come back to you but it can take a while. You could chase your GP and ask if they have been in touch.
 
claymic said:
I sent them my form after iv went on insulin about six weeks ago but have heard nothing back from dvla. Do they always come back to you one way or another???
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From reading elsewhere it would seem there is quite a backlog at the DVLA. If at all worried give them a ring to make sure they have received the form.
 
CarbsRok said:
From reading elsewhere it would seem there is quite a backlog at the DVLA. If at all worried give them a ring to make sure they have received the form.
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Calling them is nigh impossible. All I get is that they are busy and to call later
 
olliefraser said:
I feel so welcome here, thanks ... also when I provide the DVLA with 3 months of blood readings, will it matter if I have a few high readings? I don't usually but sometimes if I haven't given enough insulin or something it'll be a little higher.
Click to expand...


The high readings won't matter, the DVLA don't seem too concerned with high bg levels and are more concerned with low bg (Hypoglycaemia). It's rather odd as high bg can effect vision due to it making the lens of the eyes swell which in turn leads to blurry vision.

Just send your readings off as requested and see what they say, as said before the fact that you've not had a severe hypo and still have good hypo-awareness symptoms will go a long way with the medical dept of the DVLA.

I've not had to send my readings off before but they did carry out some checks when I recently renewed my licence, perhaps they do this when someone applies for a provisional........I don't know as I had already passed my test before getting diabetes.
 
I'm learning to drive currently. I had a medical report form filled out by my specialist who then posted it to the tax place. They then made a decision whether I was able to hold a license.
 
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