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Driving with Diabetes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 999sugarbabe
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999sugarbabe

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I have come across some useful information regarding fitness to drive/ride motor vehicles, which I think will be of great interest to those with diabetes who ride motorcycles or drive motorised vehicles. It also covers other conditions/illnesses.

"Medical Standards of fitness to drive".

You can cut and paste this address into yor web browser and if required download the whole document (in pdf format)

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/medical/aagv1.pdf
 
Hi Sugarbabe,

Thanks for providing the link. However, there is a danger that people will cut and paste or save the PDF file and end up looking at out of date information. This PDF is dated Feb 2009 so is the latest, but DVLA tend to update/change the rules several times a year. The rules governing driving for Byetta users alone changed 4 times last year!.

I would recommend that to be on the safe side, always check on the DVLA website what the current position is. Don't assume that it hasn't changed.
 
A good resource Sugarbabe. I had no problem with DVLA on account of my diabetes and hypertension but am now on a 3-year license on account of my recently diagnosed Parkinson's Disease.

Doug
 
It must be a severe blow to diabetics who lose their license due to medications/insulins.
In my area people in this category, i.e. unable to drive because have been refused on medical grounds, you are allowed a free bus pass providing you can show evidence. I know this is not much consolation but may not be widely known.
To get this pass you have to apply to your local council,(concessionary fares).

Catherine.
 
My license is Ok at the moment catherine, but i get a bus pass on grounds of age anyway and i use it. So much easier than parking! I have a Skoda Octavia and can't see her rear end :lol:
 
hanadr said:
I have a Skoda Octavia and can't see her rear end :lol:



I have a girlfriend and have the same trouble !! :oops:
 
Dennis said:
Hi Sugarbabe,

Thanks for providing the link. However, there is a danger that people will cut and paste or save the PDF file and end up looking at out of date information. This PDF is dated Feb 2009 so is the latest, but DVLA tend to update/change the rules several times a year. The rules governing driving for Byetta users alone changed 4 times last year!.

I would recommend that to be on the safe side, always check on the DVLA website what the current position is. Don't assume that it hasn't changed.
Click to expand...

Yes, thanks for pointing that out Dennis. My mistake, I should have made that clear. :oops:

When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes my G.P. asked me if I was driving still. In fact I'd given up some 6 months earlier for other reasons, but I think he intended informing the DVLA (I wasn't paying attention by that point), which surprised me when I thought about it later... :shock:
 
999sugarbabe said:
When I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes my G.P. asked me if I was driving still. In fact I'd given up some 6 months earlier for other reasons, but I think he intended informing the DVLA (I wasn't paying attention by that point), which surprised me when I thought about it later... :shock:
Click to expand...

Just a point to note - you are required by law to inform DVLA if you have any kind of diabetes diagnosis, or any other medical condition that may affect your ability to drive, or judgment during such activity. BIG trouble for you if you fail to do so and are caught by the rozzers (no licence=no insurance, therefore add that to the list of prosecutions).

Not all insurance companies ask about medical conditions when quoting, but if they do and you fail to tell them, your insurance is invalid. Again, you'll be in court.

And no I'm not writing from personal experience, but my ex- has prosecuted countless individuals for such offences!
 
That's not strictly true keg.

Extract from the following DVLA Feb 2009 Medical Standards Document.

MANAGED BY DIET ALONE
Need not notify DVLA unless develop relevant disabilities e.g. Diabetic eye problems affecting visual acuity or visual field or if insulin required.
Need not notify DVLA unless develop relevant disabilities e.g. Diabetic eye problems affecting visual acuity or visual field or if insulin required.
DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS
GROUP 1 ENTITLEMENT

MANAGED BY TABLETS
See Appendix to this Chapter for INF188/2
If all the requirements set out in the attached information on INF188/2 are met, DVLA does not require notification. This can be printed and retained for future reference.
Alternatively if the information indicates that medical enquiries will need to be undertaken DVLA should be notified.
Drivers will be licensed unless they develop relevant disabilities e.g. diabetic eye problem affecting visual acuity or visual fields, in which case either refusal, revocation or short period licence. If becomes insulin treated will be refusal or revocation.

For the full rules and requirements as sugarbabe knows - always check with the DVLA website.
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/medical/aagv1.pdf

You are right about declaring the condition to your Insurance Company though.

Hope that helps.
Ken. (ex rozzer) :D
 
D.V.L.A took my hgv my psv gave me a three year one and I lost my job as well I i am on insulin but I know a bus driver on insulin and they lt him drive :|
 
tobyone said:
D.V.L.A took my hgv my psv gave me a three year one and I lost my job as well I i am on insulin but I know a bus driver on insulin and they lt him drive :|
Click to expand...


Hi Colin

The Bus driver may have what's known as 'Grandfather Rights'.
All depends on when he was diagnosed (pre 1991). The rules are complex and may seem unfair. Most Law is like that.

Then again he may just not have told anybody. :shock:

Doesn't help your situation I know. :|

Ken
 
right, just to clarify cos I am a little thick :D.
I am type 2 on metformin...no eye problems [yet!] so i don't have to tell the DVLA? I have told my insurers though.
 
That's absolutely right sam. PM me if you need proof.

Ken :D

BTW. I din't mean you are thick sam I ............Oh, stop digging. :lol:
 
cugila said:
That's absolutely right sam. PM me if you need proof.

Ken :D

BTW. I din't mean you are thick sam I ............Oh, stop digging. :lol:
Click to expand...
Yes, step away from the shovel :lol:
No, no you are right though, I am :lol: I panicked a bit there...thought you had dug up some evidence of my thickness and were going to PM me it :D
I read things a million times and still read them incorrectly and even when someone else reads it to me correctly, I argue with them!! I blame the diabetes.
 
hi ken he was diagnosed the same time as me he says he told the dvla but as you say he may not have never mind at least I still have the car :evil:
 
tobyone said:
hi ken he was diagnosed the same time as me he says he told the dvla but as you say he may not have never mind at least I still have the car :evil:
Click to expand...

Think you have answered your own question there !!
It's not till the wheel falls off that some things come to light. Trouble is other people could get hurt. :(
 
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