Driving and Diabetes - Informing the Authorities

Having diabetes, however treated, does not prevent people form driving a car or motor bikes provide if it is well controlled and they are medically safe to drive. Restrictions may be placed on driving certain sorts of vehicles such as public transport or heavy goods.

Informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

For diabetes treated by diet alone you do not need to inform the DVLA.

Diabetes treated with tablets or insulin must, by law, be informed to the DVLA.

Always state if you have diabetes when applying for a licence for the first time.

If you are treated with tablets, the DVLA will send you a letter. This explains that you must re-notify them if your condition or treatment changes e.g. if you go on to insulin, if you start to experience hypos or if you develop any complications of diabetes.

If your diabetes is treated with insulin you will be sent another form called “Diabetic 1”. This asks for more information and the name and address of your GP and/or hospital doctor. You will also be asked to complete a consent form so the DVLA may approach your doctor or other relevant healthcare professional directly.

If you take insulin you will be issued with a licence for one, two or three years. Just before the expiry date, you will receive a reminder to renew and you will be asked to return your current licence. Renewals of restricted licences are supplied free of charge.

Informing your Insurance Company

You must inform your insurance company as soon as you develop diabetes whether treated by diet, tablets or insulin.

Failure to do this may invalidate your cover in the event of a claim.

Your current insurer cannot refuse cover or increase your premium unless they have evidence of increased risk. For new quotes or renewals, certain companies may refuse cover, impose special terms or charge an increased premium. If this happens consider challenging your insurer, especially if your diabetes is stable and well controlled. Shop around and get a number of quotes from various insurers to obtain the best deal.

Seeking advice and what care to expect

If you have any concerns about driving, your diabetes team should address these for you.

Please ensure that you report to your medical team any health problems that have occurred that may affect your driving such as hypos, vision problems, heart problems or strokes and blackouts.

At diagnosis and at your regular reviews you should be given advice and information about driving. You should be notified of informing the authorities. You should be made aware of how to deal with your diabetes self care and treatment whilst driving. You will be assessed at least once a year to find out about any diabetes complications and you should expect to be advised if they affect your medical fitness to drive.