Driving

Having diabetes does not mean you have to give up driving, but it does mean that you need to plan in advance before you get behind the wheel. Complications associated with diabetes can affect your ability to drive, it is therefore important you take certain care and precautions prior to and during driving.

It also means that there are certain points to consider to ensure that your driving is safe and hazard-free. For example, informing the DVLA and your insurance company, managing hypoglycaemia and driving, your eyesight and restricted licenses.

You DO NOT need to tell the DVLA about your diabetes if you are treated by diet alone but you must tell them if you start taking tablets or change from tablets to insulin treatment.

You DO NEED to tell the DVLA by letter telling them about your diabetes and treatment if taking tablets or insulin. If you are treated by insulin you will be sent another form.

If you are treated with insulin, your licence will be issued for 1, 2 or 3 years. Just before your licence expires you will receive a reminder to renew.

If you are treated with tablets you will be issued with a full driving licence, providing that you do not have any other medical condition which may prevent this. There will be a charge for renewing this licence until after 70years of age, just as for anyone else in the UK.

For further information, please read DVLA and Safe Driving Tips pages.

Driving

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