Driving

Question 1

DVLA

Answer 1

Notify if:
- On insulin or any medication for Group 2 drivers.
(DO NOT need to notify in diet-controlled diabetes)
- Visual, renal + limb complicatiosn that may affect driving
- 2+ episodes of severe hypoglycameia in <12 months (one episode if group 2 vehicle)
- Impaired awareness
- Disabling hypoglycaemia whilst driving

Question 2

Group 1 vehicles

Answer 2

Cars
Motorbikes

Question 3

Group 2 vehicle

Answer 3

Lorry
Bus
Coach

Question 4

Monitoring

Answer 4

2 hours before driving
Every 2 hours for long journeys
<5 mmol/L = take carbohydrate before driving
<4 mmol/L = Do not drive

Question 5

Drivers on insulin

Answer 5

Carry fast-acting sugar supply e.g. glucose tablet
Avoid driving if meal is delayed.

Question 6

What to do if hypoglycaemia occurs?

Answer 6

1. Stop vehicle in safe place and switch engine off
2. Eat or drink a fast-acting sugar and long-acting carbohydrate (e.g. sandwich)
3. Wait 45 minutes after blood glucose levels return to normal before continuing journey

Question 7

Insulin (long-term)

Answer 7

• Inform DVLA
• Apply for restricted license
• 2+ severe hypos whilst awake in <12 months = license revoked, reapply in 3 months.
• License lasts up to 3 years

Question 8

Temporary insulin + other medications that risk hypos (e.g. sulfonylureas)

Answer 8

• Do not need to inform DVLA
• 2+ severe hypos whilst awake
• Until 70/if at risk of hypos
• Temp insulin = check every 2 hours
• Other meds = check with healthcare team

Question 9

Other meds + diet/exercise

Answer 9

• Don’t need to tell DVLA
• Not at risk of severe hypos
• Don’t need to check bloods
• Until 70