Driving questions?

[DiabeticT1DWAnimallover]

So I've never really decided to consider learning to drive because I relied a lot on public transport to get to college. But now I've finished college and when I'm older because I want to work with animals alot of animal jobs require you to have your own drivers licence. I want to learn to drive a car.

But questions:
1. How can I convince my parents. They don't think I should as I get to places by public transport a lot and it's expensive even though they drive and also worried about accidents.
2. Is it more expensive for us Diabetics or is it the same price as non diabetics.
3. What if whilst your driving you suddenly went low and there's no safe place to pull over (Say if it's in the countryside) what would you do then before you caused an accident?
4. Like alot of things you apply for do you have to fill in a medical form (Even for Provisional)
5. What exactly is Provisional licence?
6. When you do get your licence and if you were involved in an accident whether it's your fault or not and your fine would it still be a good idea to mention your diabetic to the Police?
ps I dunno if it's different rules for different types of Diabeties. So this is relating to Type 1 if so.
7. How long does it roughly take to learn to drive?

 

[Northerner]

Hi, I'm not a driver myself, so I'll leave it to those who do to comment with their own experiences 🙂 You might find the following pages useful though:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Teens/Me-and-my-diabetes/Living-my-life/Driving/

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Life-with-diabetes/Driving/

Good luck! 🙂

 

[Austin Mini]

So I've never really decided to consider learning to drive because I relied a lot on public transport to get to college. But now I've finished college and when I'm older because I want to work with animals alot of animal jobs require you to have your own drivers licence. I want to learn to drive a car.

But questions:
1. How can I convince my parents. They don't think I should as I get to places by public transport a lot and it's expensive even though they drive and also worried about accidents.
2. Is it more expensive for us Diabetics or is it the same price as non diabetics.
3. What if whilst your driving you suddenly went low and there's no safe place to pull over (Say if it's in the countryside) what would you do then before you caused an accident?
4. Like alot of things you apply for do you have to fill in a medical form (Even for Provisional)
5. What exactly is Provisional licence?
6. When you do get your licence and if you were involved in an accident whether it's your fault or not and your fine would it still be a good idea to mention your diabetic to the Police?
ps I dunno if it's different rules for different types of Diabeties. So this is relating to Type 1 if so.
7. How long does it roughly take to learn to drive?

Q1, at some time in your life you will need to drive.
Q2, its the same price
Q3, you will need to test before you set off and every two hours whilst adriving. Put a high sugar drink in the cup holder.
Q4, oh yes lots of forms to fill in.
Q5, a provisional licence lasts for two years and entitles you to drive under supervision. Please use a qualified driving instructor.
Q6, only if you are asked hopefully this will not happen.
Q7, it took me eight lessons passed on my ninth but that was fifty years ago. Just study the Highway Code and take note of your approved driving instructor.
Good Luck you will be just fine.

 

[HOBIE]

I have been T1 since the age of 3. passed my driving test 3weeks of my 17th birthday. I am mad on driving & have been to Asia, Russian boarder & lots of EU countries. Good luck it opens up a new life .

 

[zuludog]

1) The whole approach to treating diabetes is that it should be controlled such that you can live as normal a life as anyone else; lots of people with diabetes drive.Are you over 18? there you go then.
Sooner or later most teenagers/young people have to stand up for themselves - going to an all - night party; choice of a new boyfriend; 'you're not going out dressed like that!......or learning to drive
Once you can drive it opens up more freedom, flexibility and job opportunities
Employers don't usually ask if you can drive or not, it's just assumed that you can
2) It doesn't usually affect the cost of insurance premiums, but you must inform them; shop around
3) See my thread in this section 'Feeding the car'. unless you're on a motorway you can usually find somewhere to stop, or turn off onto a side road. You will need to test before you set off and regularly afterwards - check for the current rules. Keep a notebook & pen in the car to record the details and any action taken
4) Yes, you will need to fill in extra forms. check with your driving instructor & GP or nurse
5) A provisional driving licence is a licence that allows you to drive under supervision. there will also be a load of other information that comes with it from the DVLA
6) I don't know if it's a legal requirement to do so, but it would be sensible
7) How long is a piece of string? some people take to driving quicker than others; it helps if you have some sort of road experience, like riding a bicycle It can be frustrating at first, but then something clicks, and you just do it

I wanted to learn when I was 18 or 19, but I went out with my Dad, which was a mistake. He wasn't very patient and we had a couple of blazing arguments which put me off for a long time. so I didn't start learning again till later, and i passed my test on the second time when I was 34
Start with an instructor, and when you're reasonably capable get your friends to sit in with you while you get some practice
So obviously from this, you really need to get your own car. Ask around friends & colleagues, you will usually hear of someone who has a cheap car for sale. Or ask someone who is interested in cars to help you choose
You don't have to be a master mechanic to be able to drive, but it helps if you have a basic understanding. Get a book simple car mechanics, perhaps from your library. That said, most modern cars are so complicated & electronic now that they're becoming more & more difficult to work on

 

[HOBIE]

I had my car when I was 16. I had 3 paper rounds & that's what paid for it. My dad used to take me to an old airdrome & let me get on with it. I was so so keen on driving. I have not changed. Good luck with your efforts. 🙂