hgvs and type1 diabetes

[007simmo]

It still amazes me that if you have insulin dependent diabetes you cannot drive class1 (and other) vehicles. Yet if you come under German restrictions (this includes uk passport holders living in germany), you are allowed to drive hgv1 vehicles over here in the uk.
I left the british army in 1991 and amost straight away landed a fantastic job driving HGV1 vehicles in UK and the continent, until I was diagnosed type1 diabetes in 1993. At the time I held just about every licence you could have IE HGV1,track, psv, forklift etc.All I was left with was a car licence (which has to be renewed every 3 years).
I lost my fantastic job (nothing to do with my employers, their hands were tied due to insurance), I lost my liveryhood and ultimately lost my flat.
if were so pally with the european union then why are the rules about driving with diabetes so different?
I have read camerons debate anout this and its all just usual talk with no result.
its about time this was sorted, or until then refuse european drivers using our roads who are (apparently) dangerous.

 

[HOBIE]

I agree Simmo. French drivers should be charged £100 to drive in our country. Even on a motorbike it costs to ride there.

 

[trophywench]

Why does it cost? You still get there if you don't use the toll roads so you are NOT committed to paying anything. Shedloads of mways aare free and some are definitely not LOL

The A75 - only the Millau Bridge attracts a toll. And it's as boring as hell to ride or drive over.

The Ile de Re bridge is disgustingly dear, but Oleron's better and bigger and that's free.

The Pont du Normandie is free on a bike anyway and has been for yonks. And we LOVE that whatever we're in or on.

All the way round the Gorge du Verdon including the Rive Gauche - free.

We just tell Tom to avoid tolls, and she does! Unfortunately she also send us across fields in our motorhome (well she doesn't cos we won't LOL) but des it to save a corner so it's 80 metres shorter distance or something. The passenger is oft heard saying Oh no you don't you something thing - don't turn left whatever she tells you - go straight on! LOL

And last time we went, whether you are diabetic or not, it costs the same or not !

 

[Pumper_Sue]

It still amazes me that if you have insulin dependent diabetes you cannot drive class1 (and other) vehicles. Yet if you come under German restrictions (this includes uk passport holders living in germany), you are allowed to drive hgv1 vehicles over here in the uk.
I left the british army in 1991 and amost straight away landed a fantastic job driving HGV1 vehicles in UK and the continent, until I was diagnosed type1 diabetes in 1993. At the time I held just about every licence you could have IE HGV1,track, psv, forklift etc.All I was left with was a car licence (which has to be renewed every 3 years).
I lost my fantastic job (nothing to do with my employers, their hands were tied due to insurance), I lost my liveryhood and ultimately lost my flat.
if were so pally with the european union then why are the rules about driving with diabetes so different?
I have read camerons debate anout this and its all just usual talk with no result.
its about time this was sorted, or until then refuse european drivers using our roads who are (apparently) dangerous.

Type 1 diabetics can hold and do hold HGV licences, the law was changed some time back.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-for-drivers-with-diabetes

 

[Copepod]

What are you doing these days, 007simmo?

It is possible to regain HGV licence, assuming you control your type 1 diabetes very well, as Pumper_Sue's link points out.

I also developed type 1 diabetes, after leaving army (TA, not regulars) where I served for 4 years. Very frustrating, as I'd only just got my driving licence, but have earned a living in various ways, mostly interesting and / or enjoyable, although often poorly paid. Just back from competing in a 3 day mountain running race, on which I marshalled in 2009 and 2013 - free entry, because I'd marshalled.

 

[007simmo]

Thanks for all your comments, if your diabetes is with tablets/diet and can by proved to be well controlled then you may drive an HGV vehicle ( as long as your employer is willing to stump up the extortionate insurance premium).if your diabetes is controlled by insulin then you automatically loose the right to hold a HGV licence, although lower classes of goods vehicles are "supposedly" allowed.
Paying to use motorways was never an issue, I was just enquiring why other european drivers with insulin controlled diabetes were allowed drive on britains highways, when HGV1 drivers with insulin controlled diabetes in the UK cannot.
I dont think its right.
xx

 

[007simmo]

Hi Copepod, I have risen to director of a company called Trafford Shopmobility who specialise in hiring out mobility scooters (yes Benidorm springs to mind) and other equipment to aged, disabled and even someone who has a broken leg. We also service and repair equipment. All done on a voluntary basis.
I have a few mobility and health prolems so cannot do my normal work, I had my own decorating and maintenence firm. I love the work I am doing now mainly because I like to help anyone I can to the best of my ability.
I am married now (nearly 16 years) and my wife is my rock. When I have a Hypo she tells me (mostly gritting her teeth lol) what I do, as I sometimes dont really know. She is in the care industry so I suppose I am good practice for her...not.
I hope you dont mind me rambling.
Ttfn

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Thanks for all your comments, if your diabetes is with tablets/diet and can by proved to be well controlled then you may drive an HGV vehicle ( as long as your employer is willing to stump up the extortionate insurance premium).if your diabetes is controlled by insulin then you automatically loose the right to hold a HGV licence, although lower classes of goods vehicles are "supposedly" allowed.
Paying to use motorways was never an issue, I was just enquiring why other european drivers with insulin controlled diabetes were allowed drive on britains highways, when HGV1 drivers with insulin controlled diabetes in the UK cannot.
I dont think its right.
xx

Simmo, the law was changed type 1's can and do drive HGV's in the UK. The medical is strict though and quite rightly so.

 

[trophywench]

I know the rules used to be different, but that was why Europe got together to try and bring us all onto a level playing field.

Now I'm really not aware of what other members of the EU have done, but our rules are certainly still more stringent than France - we insist that 3.999 recurring is hypo, whereas they say it's lower.

And whilst DVLA have it in their heads that We Know Better we'll basically be banging our heads on any wall whether it's a brick one or not. If DUK had not intervened with DVLA the position would be even worse in the UK, believe you me.

Speaking as one who had two accidents on the M42 - fortunately just me and the crash barrier both times, but the repair bills were steep - from insulin that was in date and everything hunky dory, but the insulin wasn't OK despite that and sent me mega hypo with NO warning despite testing before I got in the car both times (I always did it but after the first time I was practically paranoid, much good did that do) - I really don't WANT HGV drivers of any nationality on insulin being on the road when I am, thanks.

This can happen, sh!t does - and no-one is immune.

ec.europa.eu/.../road.../diabetes_and_driving_in_europe_final_1_en.pdf

Enjoy!

Link hasn't worked - Google

" European directive on driving and diabetes "