Hello all new to group but type 1 insulin dependent for 25yrs, probably already been covered but had recent conversation with dvla and some things were puzzling to say the least. So i was looking at applying for some driving /courier positions and checked my latest 3yr licence issue to discover C+D catergories had been removed , i had past my driving test pre 1997 so had provisonal entitlement to these 2 classes. I contacted DVLA medical and they responded that as a type 1 insulin depent you automatically lose entitlement to this catergory however you can apply for reinstatement which would involve a doctors examination (potentially chargeable) eyesight examination and that id need to do fingerprick testing. They also pointed out that cat D mini buses would only be when driving without finacial reward or gain???? So heres the rub essentially the dvla agents are civil servants not diabetes specialist or endocrine experst right? and operate from what i can see from antequated and ineffective protocols? Firstly i have recently switched to freestyle libre monitoring having been told its best thing since sliced bread so why the requirement to return to older technology ? Secondly i can legally drive a mini bus of passengers providing i do it for free but if i want to get paid for it i have to take further tests and examines? surely if the issue is one of safety and competence then why not just make everyone take a test? In addition i need to see a diabetic specialist at least once a year well i currently do this anyway as part of my healthcare.My concern is the apparent arbitrary nature and that at any point within 3 yr renewal periods the could revoke my entitlement thus ending my ability to work in these sectors? any thoughts experiences / realities etc tia jerome
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C and D catergories
- Thread starter jerome
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I thought there had been a change in the law to permit people with diabetes who used insulin, including buses
www.gov.uk
The categories are explained here
www.gov.uk
And this DUK page has information about Group 2 (commercial vehicles)
www.diabetes.org.uk
New rules on diabetes for bus and lorry drivers
New law introduced that allows people with insulin diabetes to drive buses and lorries.
The categories are explained here
Driving licence categories
Driving licence categories - entitlements on your licence and what vehicles you can drive - cars, motorcycles, mopeds, medium and large lorries, minibuses and buses.
And this DUK page has information about Group 2 (commercial vehicles)
Diabetes and your driving licence
There are extra rules for people with diabetes who want to drive. This is to make sure it’s safe for you and others. This information is about what to tell your driving licensing authority when you have diabetes. We’ve campaigned for years to make sure the law is fair. So that you can carry on...
yes Mike i think you are correct but my point was what seemed an illogical move, you can apply to drive any vehichle subject to meeting the requirements thus for vehichles over 7.5 tonnes its a hgv route and for the likes of buses etc its the psv route in my instance i saw a positon advertised by a manufacturer of minibuses who required a driver to deliver them to the new owner and do the handover etc mainly schools id imagine but also larger construction companies and vehichle hire places. I was informed by DVLA that this would be considered as commercial gain/ finacial reward as it was a job and therefor would have to basically do a PSV licence but i can legally go and rent one from a hire company and drive round on my licence just seemed wierd logic surely the purpose of licensing is to ensure safety and standards
i have fallen fowl of dvla previously when a doctor misread one of the questions regarding hypos and it lead to my licence being revoked , it was a kaftaesque nightmare where i couldn't speak to any of the medical assesment team had no option of appeal other than going to a magistrates court apparently etc etc fortunately i was able to get it sorted Doctor had to contact dvla explaining his mistake but the experience was unpleasant and stress inducing and i dont want a repeat of it
i have fallen fowl of dvla previously when a doctor misread one of the questions regarding hypos and it lead to my licence being revoked , it was a kaftaesque nightmare where i couldn't speak to any of the medical assesment team had no option of appeal other than going to a magistrates court apparently etc etc fortunately i was able to get it sorted Doctor had to contact dvla explaining his mistake but the experience was unpleasant and stress inducing and i dont want a repeat of it
i get why they have to do this, however i feel its monitored and implemented by people without a full understanding of the condition, as a driver of both cars and motorcycles i have seen numerous examples of poor/dangerous driving and what of other medical conditions that could render the operator unresponsive such as clots / strokes / epilepsy etc their are literally hundreds of people out there on the roads with dangerous health conditions that they might not be aware of but they are not subject to the scruntiny we face.
Lucyr
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
People with epilepsy can only drive if they’re seizure free for a year, and lose their licence after a seizure. Presume you don’t want that to happen to diabetics who have a hypo?
People who have a stroke whilst driving, that’s usually unexpected. So what extra conditions are you actually wanting to be implemented to prevent people having a stroke whilst driving? Any of us could have a stroke at any time.
Start working on complying, fingerprick twice a day every day, keep detailed notes around any hypos so that you can explain them if questioned, and then when you’ve got 3 months of records you’ll be able to apply.
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When I notified DVLA that I was T2 and injecting insulin my licence came back minus the minibus category.
It also now must be renewed every three years. When this first applies I will be 69-1/2 so only 6 months off the 70 year rule any way.
As far as I have been told, to drive, I must finger prick regularly and also before any long journey, and carry my testing stuff with me in the car. I do so wish that the makers of these phone apps were more honest.
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Paul G
It also now must be renewed every three years. When this first applies I will be 69-1/2 so only 6 months off the 70 year rule any way.
As far as I have been told, to drive, I must finger prick regularly and also before any long journey, and carry my testing stuff with me in the car. I do so wish that the makers of these phone apps were more honest.
.
Paul G
- Status