DVLA & T2 INSULIN DRIVERS

Sassco

Well-Known Member
Messages
49
Just downloaded the DVLA form for completion & OMG can't believe how intrusive it is. If completed correctly I may have my license suspended. I've got to get reports from my GP, my hospital consultant, my Optician AND possibly undergo a medical by a DVLA nominated GP. I'll probably also incur higher insurance premiums if I'm allowed to continue driving. They don't tell you all that when they put you on insulin. I also have to ensure I have digital records for the last 3 months of my levels, for inspection. I've only ever had a hypo once on tablets (which incidentally doesn't count because I wasn't on insulin). Should I fill it out at all. I'm careful & take readings before I drive & only drive locally never longer than 30mins. What should I do?
 

Ann19

Well-Known Member
Messages
271
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
You must fill it in honestly. If you omit to tell them of something then it may mean your insurance won't be valid if anything happens. It is there to protect you and other road users. Not everyone is as well controlled as yourself so you shouldn't have anything to worry about, just ensure that your GP fills it in correctly, there is a thread on the forum where a GP filled it in wrongly and it took several months to sort out and get their licence reinstated.

Ann
 

phoenix

Expert
Messages
5,671
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
You must fill it in, if you don't and have an accident then your licence will be invalid ,as will your insurance.
Have you got the right form?
If you are the driver of a bus, coach or lorry or 'large vehicle then you wouldn't have had a chance at a licence a few months ago and you will need records going back 3 months plus a specific medical

From what you've written though it sounds as if you are a car driver.
I don't think many get called for a specific medical (never heard of one except for vision when there has been a problem but I suppose it could happen if they can't get a report from your doctor ... (eg if I tried to renew my UK licence they might do it since I have no UK doctor)
Have you got the correct form and the guidance as to how to complete it?
DIAB1 and Guide to DIAB1 https://www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving
If you've only ever had one hypo, then no problem. Even if there were more
we need to know if you have had any
episodes of severe hypoglycaemia in the last 12 months.

If you tick YES you should only count episodes where
you have needed another person to help you
Note that is needed, not just a kind OH getting the glucose tablets for you.

The number plate test is the same as for all drivers
and the rest of the eye questions should be a no, unless you have loss of vision to an eye, laser for retinopathy or cataracts.
 

Ian H

Member
Messages
5
i have just found out i'm type (oral meds) and my hgv medical form now has a vision page to be filled in by an optition luckily i have an eye test booked ... so yes there is a section on the new d4 form
 

Sassco

Well-Known Member
Messages
49
Hi Phoenix I drive a car & I've been driving on an auto license for over 30 years. The hypo I had was over 5 years ago (on tablets only). I was diagnosed with beginnings of Retinopathy in Jan 2012 but a recent follow up examination showed improvement (which I have in writing). The form I've downloaded is DIAB1V Online is that not the right form?
 

phoenix

Expert
Messages
5,671
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
No, DIAB1V is for
Bus, coach or lorry licence

You must tell DVLA. Fill in form ‘DIAB1V’ and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form
You need this one
Diabetes treated by insulin

Car or motorcycle licence

You must tell DVLA. Fill in form ‘DIAB1’ and send it to DVLA. The address is on the form
and also download the leaflet in the link beneath " guidance on filling in the DIAB1 questionnaire in ‘A guide to filling in your DIAB1 medical form’."
https://www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving
a bit less detailed :)
 

Sassco

Well-Known Member
Messages
49
Thank you so much Phoenix I've downloaded both form DIAB1 & the Guide & will read through tomorrow. You've been a great help.
 

Bereaved

Newbie
Messages
3
You must answer all the questions honestly and maintain checking your blood sugars before driving. You should do this even if you feel absolutely fine and never become complacent. My 29 year old son was killed by a driver who had, in the opinion of a diabetic specialist, become hypoglycaemic unaware, he had become unfit to drive without realising it.