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Driving with diabetes

L3wisr

L3wisr

Well-Known Member
Messages
321
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I have my test booked in a few weeks and whilst filling out the forms I've yet to state that I'm diabetic (not been given the option too). Should I look to do it asap or is it something that will be done once I have a license?

Thanks.
 
L3wisr said:
I have my test booked in a few weeks and whilst filling out the forms I've yet to state that I'm diabetic (not been given the option too). Should I look to do it asap or is it something that will be done once I have a license?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Since 'we' have to notify DVLA as soon as we are diagnosed I would assume that you should tell them now.If you've been driving on a provisional licence then you're probably breaking the law by not notifying them.
 
I've looked on the gov-uk driving-diabetes websites and I've not found anything specific for your case. I assume that you're on insulin and that you currently hold a provisional driving licence.
As far as I can see, and I've looked at the provisional licence on-line application process, there is no obvious place to declare an insulin-dependent medical condition. It does state that you cannot apply for a licence if you are disbarred from driving for any reason [which you are normally not, with Type 1, on Insulin]. I think you should download ASAP form DIAB1 from the gov.uk website, complete and post it to Swansea. They should deal with it and, in the meantime, I hope you pass your driving test.
 
Read this and phone the DVLA.on Monday. Technically you are currently not legal to drive, your insurance, and your driving instructors insurance may be invalid. Sorry to be so blunt but I would hate you to get to the test centre and find you can't take your test because you do not have a valid driving licence, or banned for driving with no insurance before you have even passed your test!! Get it sorted, and good luck for the test day!!!
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sm/driving-and-disability
Sue xxxx
 
AS others have said your licence is invalid, you should have told them when diagnosed.
 
Hi. Send them the form ASAP and follow the rules for driving when taking insulin e.g. testing before driving and every 2 hours during driving and saving the readings for inspection if needed.
 
Thanks all, I'll try and get in contact on Monday. I've only had two lessons since diagnosed last year and made sure to check sugars beforehand. It's quite strange that I hadn't been given any option to disclose it when booking a test but I guess that's how it is.
 
L3wisr said:
Thanks all, I'll try and get in contact on Monday. I've only had two lessons since diagnosed last year and made sure to check sugars beforehand. It's quite strange that I hadn't been given any option to disclose it when booking a test but I guess that's how it is.
Click to expand...
I hate to tell you this, but it is down to the individual to notify the DVLA of any medical condition likely to affect their ability to drive.
Save yourself some time and download the form here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/diab1-confidential-medical-information. As far as I know once you have filled in the form and notified them you can carry on driving until they stop you due to medical grounds if this is the case.
Do photo copy your licence though before it is sent back.
 
Mrspuddleduck, well done on digging out the regulations on insulin and provisional driving licencing! I couldn't find this with 10 minutes of searching on the uk national sites, so I can understand why L3wisr missed this.
Sadly, the law and the insurers might have looked on this differently.
Lets face it, as a provisional driver, his instructor would have been looking out for all sorts of issues and the likelihood of an insulin-related accident seems remote.
 
Thank you, I'll print it off when I get to work on Monday. Best to be safe!
 
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