I want to learn to drive as soon as I can. How will diabetes affect me?

The law does not stop you driving just because you have diabetes, but the DVLA(the government department that issues driving licences) may need further information from you and special conditions may apply.

• If you have diabetes that is treated with insulin (with or without tablets)
• You are legally required to notify the DVLA You must complete a form provided by the DVLA called 'Diabetic I'
• You must give permission for the DVLA to contact your GP
• Your licence (or provisional licence if you have not driven before) will be issued for one, two or three years

If you want to drive a vehicle that weighs over 3.5 tonnes, or if you want to drive a vehicle that carries more than 9 passengers, then special rules apply. Contact the DVLA.

What about insurance?

When you apply for insurance, you will need to tell your insurance company that you have diabetes. Many insurance companies 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.

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