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Driving

What does the law require?

The law does not stop you driving just because you have diabetes, but the DVLA may need further information from you and special conditions may apply.

Drivers do not need to tell DVLA if their diabetes is treated by tablets, diet or both and they are free of the complications listed below.

Some people with diabetes develop associated problems that may affect their driving.

What you need to tell us about

By law you must tell us if any of the following apply:

  • you need treatment with insulin
  • you need laser treatment to both eyes, or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only
  • you have problems with vision in both eyes, or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only. (By law, you must be able to read, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary, a car number plate in good light at 20.5 metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet) where narrower characters (50mm wide) are displayed)
  • you develop any problems with the circulation, or sensation in your legs or feet which makes it necessary for you to drive certain types of vehicles only, for example, automatic vehicles or vehicles with a hand operated accelerator or brake. This must be shown on your driving licence
  • you suffer more than one episode of disabling hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) within 12 months, or if you or your carer feels that you are at high risk of developing disabling hypoglycaemia
  • you develop impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia
  • you suffer disabling hypoglycaemia at the wheel
  • an existing medical condition gets worse or you develop any other condition that may affect your safe driving
  • In the interests of road safety, you must be sure that you can safely control a motor vehicle at all times.

What about insurance?

Inform your insurance company as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes, whether it is controlled by diet, tablets or by insulin. Many no longer consider diabetes an extra risk, but failure to disclose any change in your health could invalidate your cover.

If you are refused insurance or charged a higher premium, shop around. You could also challenge the company. Under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), insurers can only refuse cover or charge more for cover if they have evidence of increased risk.

Diabetes UK may be able to help you with their motor insurance quote line (Freephone 0800 73 1431) although they cannot guarantee to get you the cheapest quotes in every case.

When you're driving

Driving with low blood glucose levels is always very dangerous, since it can impair your concentration, and it is especially important to avoid hypos. Hypos can happen with certain tablets as well as with insulin, so ask your doctor or nurse if you are in any doubt.

Test your blood glucose levels before your journey and allow yourself plenty of time. It's generally recommended that you should stop at least every two hours to avoid tiredness, and this is a good opportunity to test again. If you are low, have a snack.

Never delay a meal, and carry plenty of snacks with you, just in case. If you do feel a hypo coming on:

  • Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so
  • Have a sweet drink or a glucose sweet immediately. Then eat a biscuit or another starchy snack
  • Remove the ignition key and move across to the passenger's seat. Avoid any suggestion that you are in charge of the car - in theory you could be prosecuted for driving while under the influence of drugs (insulin)!
  • Do not drive again for at least 40 minutes, until your blood glucose levels stabilise