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Group 2 Licence Rejected

Interestingly I was called into the office by an operations manager enquiring & insistent if I wanted to put in for a group 2 license if only to “shunt” trucks around the yard? He looked non-plussed when I mentioned type one. Though I was testing multiple times a day prior to any concept of a sensor. I was sorry to inform him this was a non starter & thanked him for the oportunity.
 
It is less than two years since I finally got CGM after a four year battle. The first sensor was impressively accurate but the second one failed after five days just as I went to check before going in for a slit-lamp examination. Since then I have had a number of premature failures and wildly inaccurate sensors. Personally I do not think they are reliable (and they seem to be getting worse) enough for DVLA approval. Hopefully they will improve as BG meters did. The original Ames Glucometer was a great advance on (rubbish) urine tests but could be quite inaccurate!
 
Matt37411 said:
Reason being that I've just had my application rejected on medical grounds, this being that I don't use a old fashioned finger prick monitor. I do however use a Dexcom One Plus and check around 10-20 times a day and all around good control. However because I don't use the older monitor at least twice a day I've been knocked back.
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By law you are supposed to carry a blood glucose meter with you and test every two hours whilst driving on a normal licence. ( Obviously you stop to check your blood sugars)
You are very lucky they haven't thrown the book at you and removed your driving licence altogether.
 
Pumper_Sue said:
By law you are supposed to carry a blood glucose meter with you and test every two hours whilst driving on a normal licence
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Not if you have a CGM - you do not have to do an FP test every two hours (Group 1), only check your CGM every two hours. If the CGM reports 4-5 then you have to eat a snack, if it reports <4 you have to confirm with an FP reading and take the prescribe course of action depending on the result.
 
dannybgoode said:
Not if you have a CGM - you do not have to do an FP test every two hours (Group 1), only check your CGM every two hours. If the CGM reports 4-5 then you have to eat a snack, if it reports <4 you have to confirm with an FP reading and take the prescribe course of action depending on the result.
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Sorry my mistake but the law states you must carry a meter. Personally I do not trust my CGM so always test for driving.

Group 1​

These systems may be used for monitoring glucose at times relevant to driving Group 1 vehicles. Users of these systems must carry finger prick capillary glucose testing equipment for driving purposes as there are times when a confirmatory finger prick blood glucose level is required.

If using an interstitial fluid continuous glucose monitoring system (Flash GM or RT-CGM), the blood glucose level must be confirmed with a finger prick blood glucose reading in the following circumstances:

  • when the glucose level is 4.0 mmol/L or below
  • when symptoms of hypoglycaemia are being experienced
  • when the glucose monitoring system gives a reading that is not consistent with the symptoms being experienced (for example, symptoms of hypoglycaemia and the system reading does not indicate this) - see the INF294 leaflet in Appendix D for further details
 
I have type 1 and hold a Hgv licence, simple facts are that dvla will only accept finger pricking, and you must check twice a day, every day regardless. You must test every 2 hours whilst driving the HGV and if you read below 5 you take something to increase your reading, wait 45 mins and re test.
Whatever your thoughts are personally, you will not get a licence if you go for your medical examination and you haven’t tested twice daily by finger pricking..
 
Jonesy63 said:
I have type 1 and hold a Hgv licence, simple facts are that dvla will only accept finger pricking, and you must check twice a day, every day regardless. You must test every 2 hours whilst driving the HGV and if you read below 5 you take something to increase your reading, wait 45 mins and re test.
Whatever your thoughts are personally, you will not get a licence if you go for your medical examination and you haven’t tested twice daily by finger pricking..
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Hi
Held a HGV for 53 years but once diagnosed Type 1 decided with all the complications to hand my HGV licence in
One thing I would add to your excellent comments
BEFORE your start driving you must finger prick and record the reading in your daily log as you say 4 or below
you cannot drive, don't miss the driving but miss the jelly babies 😉😉😉😉
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
Yes it’s amazing isn’t it how something which should be so simple and “here are the guidelines, just follow these” is so confusing and how different but equally official leaflets and sources (eg those for Drs and those for general public) seem to say minutely different things in different places :(

Sorry to hear about the job vacancy , but perhaps you could assemble the required results for the Group 2 application and re-apply for the license @Matt37411. Hopefully it won’t be long before another suitable role comes up once you’ve got everything in place.

I know we have had commercial drivers with a new diagnosis who’ve had to take a 3 month break from driving to build up the required 90 day meter history. I think @Busdriver60 took the opportunity to swap to another career.
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Thanks @everydayupsanddowns for belatedly tagged me. @Matt37411, Hi Matt37411, this is @Busdriver60, a while back, you sent a post on the forum about reapplying for your Class 2 licence. Well, last Monday, I reapplied for mine, after a medical and eye test. When I spoke to DVLA, they need a 6 week record of my finger prick test blood glucose. That's all they required. So, like me, that's all you need to do, along with a completed health report, signed and stamped by your GP.
DVLA also told me, that it take up to 5 weeks or longer, depending on your circumstances, for the application to be processed. That's all you need to do.
I hope you get your licence soon.
Good luck
 
I drive class 1 hgv and coaches. I have to use a finger prickly device, mine is Bluetooth so everything is recorded on a phone app. While driving I'm required to test every 2 hours. You will need a finger prick device and 90 days worth of readings before applying. If you're unclear on regulations then I'd suggest ringing your local traffic commissioners office for advice, they are very helpful
 
Hope you’ve managed to make some progress on your application @Matt37411
 
homer49 said:
Hi
Held a HGV for 53 years but once diagnosed Type 1 decided with all the complications to hand my HGV licence in
One thing I would add to your excellent comments
BEFORE your start driving you must finger prick and record the reading in your daily log as you say 4 or below
you cannot drive, don't miss the driving but miss the jelly babies 😉😉😉😉
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I still love the driving after 40 years hgv, the jelly babies is another subject . I’m sure they have gradually over a period of time helped my belly to expand, and my teeth to cry out for help.. oh well, they’re a fact of life now..✊
 
jtg1964 said:
Hi
Just picking up on threads here.
I need to tell DVL I'm diabetic. Is that all I need to do? I'm on glicazide and now insulin ?
Jill
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Hi @jtg1964
This page describes all that is needed from the DVLA when driving with insulin.
It is a little more than just telling them - we have a lovely form to complete and our doctor must agree we are safe to drive.

By the way, I am surprised to see that you are on glicazide with Type 1.
I have no medical training but what I have read, the Glic. attempts to encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin. As Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that kills off all the insulin producing beta cells, this wouldn't do very much and may put additional strain on the remaining beta cells.
 
helli said:
Hi @jtg1964
This page describes all that is needed from the DVLA when driving with insulin.
It is a little more than just telling them - we have a lovely form to complete and our doctor must agree we are safe to drive.

By the way, I am surprised to see that you are on glicazide with Type 1.
I have no medical training but what I have read, the Glic. attempts to encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin. As Type 1 is an autoimmune condition that kills off all the insulin producing beta cells, this wouldn't do very much and may put additional strain on the remaining beta cells.
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Thank you for your reply. I know your thoughts on glicazide and insulin. Discussed with the Consultant. It has certain benefits at the min but long term once he has a diffinative answer im to stay on it.
I need to contact DVL thank you.
 
Hopefully the DVLA will be able to process your 3 year licence swiftly @jtg1964

I think your insurance company will want to know too, but it should not affect your premium.
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
Hopefully the DVLA will be able to process your 3 year licence swiftly @jtg1964

I think your insurance company will want to know too, but it should not affect your premium.
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Please ignore my ignorance...am I still able to drive now? I'm asking as I drive 2hrs to see patients? Worried now.
Jill
 
jtg1964 said:
Please ignore my ignorance...am I still able to drive now? I'm asking as I drive 2hrs to see patients? Worried now.
Jill
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I think that under s88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you can drive whilst waiting for medical info to be supplied to the DVLA and for them to issue your new licence, provided your doctor thinks it is safe for you to do so.
See here, especially page 3.
So you might want to speak to your Gp or whoever is dealing with you, to clarify that they are happy,
 
Robin said:
I think that under s88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you can drive whilst waiting for medical info to be supplied to the DVLA and for them to issue your new licence, provided your doctor thinks it is safe for you to do so.
See here, especially page 3.
So you might want to speak to your Gp or whoever is dealing with you, to clarify that they are happy,
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That's clarity thank you kindly for that.
 
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