Learning to drive with Diabetic Retinopathy

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jj10125

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Hello everyone,

Really just after some advise or experiences from people learning to drive with diabetic retinopathy, I am 33 and have put learning to drive on hold as it's never really been a priority - but that has changed over the past couple of years, and now I would really like to get a bike so CBT/DAS.

I don't have a restricted provisional currently, as I've never actually been told I can't drive (beyond to/from appointments and the affects the laser treatment might have) but generally speaking how much more difficult does it make it and what should I know?

Got an appointment at the hospital as I've had a recent bleed in right eye, which is blurry. My left eye has always been good though.

Thanks!
 
jj10125 said:
I don't have a restricted provisional currently, as I've never actually been told I can't drive (beyond to/from appointments and the affects the laser treatment might have) but generally speaking how much more difficult does it make it and what should I know?
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Does it affect one eye or both eyes? The details on whether you need to inform DVLA or not and link to inform them is here

Eye conditions and driving

You may need to tell DVLA if you have a medical condition affecting one or both eyes - report it online or download a form to let them know
www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
 
Hi @jj10125

This information is from the Diabetes UK site, it covers some of the info given above.

Driving and eye tests

There are special eye tests that some people with diabetes need to have. This is if they develop eye complications and they want to drive. These rules come from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in England, Scotland and Wales, and the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern...
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk
 
I drive after a number of laser treatments. The DVLA eyesight test was carried (in my case) at Specsavers. There is the normal eyesight chart and then a test to check peripheral vision. Ths involves looking at a central point and the seeing how many lights are spotted around the periphery of your vision. I didn't find either test especially hard. I've just had to relearn how to drive following the installation of hand controls in the car and vision wasn't a problem.
 
Hello everyone,

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds dumb, but I'm less concerned with DVLA at this point and more if I'll even be able to pass a 20 meter plate read? I have noticed a reduction in my long-sight since being diagnosed and having laser treatment.

Thanks again, love this community. 🙂
 
jj10125 said:
Hello everyone,

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds dumb, but I'm less concerned with DVLA at this point and more if I'll even be able to pass a 20 meter plate read? I have noticed a reduction in my long-sight since being diagnosed and having laser treatment.

Thanks again, love this community. 🙂
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Go outside and check? See an optician if you can’t? You need to be able to read it as a condition of your licence so sounds like you need to make sure your provisional licence has advised DVLA of everything they need to know before considering driving anything at all.
 
Have they confirmed your diabetes type yet @jj10125 ?

I think your antibody checks came back negative and you were likely to be diagnosed T2?

How is your diabetes being treated at the moment?
 
jj10125 said:
Hello everyone,

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds dumb, but I'm less concerned with DVLA at this point and more if I'll even be able to pass a 20 meter plate read? I have noticed a reduction in my long-sight since being diagnosed and having laser treatment.

Thanks again, love this community. 🙂
Click to expand...
Hi just reading you had laser I’m due have some just wondering how’s your vision and how was the treatment hope you don’t mind me asking.
 
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