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Thinking about finishing my driving

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James B

Active Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hey guys I took about 30 hours worth of lessons whilst I was at uni and failed my test, never bothered going back to it as I needed all the money I could get to pay my overdraft. Obviously you can drive as type 1 is this something I’d need to inform the driving instructor of or not? I’m thinking I’ll probably need 10 hours as a refresher. Then once I’ve passed does being diabetic actually affect your insurance premiums is there anything you need to ensure is with you whilst you’re driving is there a BG level which is safe to drive with? Is there anything else I need to know? I’ve recently inherited a brilliant 1.3L 2016 seat Ibiza from my grandad With barely any miles on so that’s sorted. I’d like to get this passed by October but not sure how likely this will be with lockdown but it’s my goal.
 
When you start lessons again the driving instructor will check your licence and see it's a medical restricted licence.
You have to tell the ins company you have diabetes but it does not affect your premium.
Do make sure you tell them though as your ins is not valid due to non disclosure.
All the requirements were sent to you with your provisional licence so make sure all is up to date.
Testing and the levels are also included in that info. Same as making sure you have hypo treatment within reach whilst at the wheel of the car.

I'm assuming you have told the DVLA that you have type 1 diabetes?
 
I still have my provisional from when I was 17.. does this mean I’ll need to apply for a new provisional I can’t remember the form as I likely filled it out whilst drunk is there a section on medical conditions
 
You need to inform the DVLA if you haven’t already. They have a DIAB1 form you have to fill out. You’ll then be sent a restricted licence (I’m not sure what happens if it’s a provisional one you have at the moment).

Give the DVLA a ring or report your condition online:

https://www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving


.
 
James B said:
I still have my provisional from when I was 17.. does this mean I’ll need to apply for a new provisional I can’t remember the form as I likely filled it out whilst drunk is there a section on medical conditions
Click to expand...
It would be a good idea to double check if it's still valid as provisional are very short dated anyway.
No idea when you took your last test but suspect you will need to redo your theory test as well.
Yes there is a section on medical conditions. I'm not 100% sure if you can apply on line for a provisional but the diabetes form is there as well. You will need a new mug shot as well as the photo licences only last 10 years.

Diabetes restricted licences are either 1- 3 years.
 
Insulin users: you've only to drive up to 2 hours after your BG test. Then test again. I believe. There's some limits for minimum BG levels too.
I think it's mostly about hypo risk.
 
BG of at least 5 before and whilst driving - if you are below that, illegal, end of story. If caught, driving under the influence of drugs!

Provisionals only used to last 12 months, but in more recent years I believe they last longer though not sure how long. You really need to check with DVLA first to see whether you did declare the diabetes, cos even if it hasn't expired yet - it won't legally cover you to take drive even under instruction, if you didn't declare that.
 
James B said:
My original provisional lasts 10 years!
Click to expand...
As you have type1 diabetes and people on insulin have either 1 - 3 year licences whether it's provisional or not you obviously have not told the DVLA of your diagnoses so your licence is invalid as would be any insurance.

So you need to fill in the correct forms (all available on line ) so you can have the correct licence sent to you. 🙂
 
trophywench said:
BG of at least 5 before and whilst driving - if you are below that, illegal, end of story. If caught, driving under the influence of drugs!
Click to expand...

'Five to drive' but if below 5 take a snack before driving (I think). Rather than illegal???

If below 4.0 do not start to drive, correct BG to at least 5 and then wait 40 minutes.

I'll double check but I thought that was it...
 

Drivers with insulin treated diabetes are advised to take the following precautions
  • You should always carry your glucose meter and blood glucose strips with you, even if you use a real time glucose monitoring system (RT-CGM) or flash glucose monitoring system (FlashGM).
  • You should check your glucose less than 2 hours before the start of the first journey and every 2 hours after driving has started.
  • A maximum of 2 hours should pass between the pre-driving glucose check and the first glucose check after driving has started.
  • More frequent testing may be required if for any reason there is a greater risk of hypoglycaemia for example after physical activity or an altered meal routine.
  • In each case if your glucose is 5.0mmol/L or less, eat a snack. If it is less than 4.0mmol/L or you feel hypoglycaemic do not drive.
  • Always keep an emergency supply of fast-acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets or sweets within easy reach in the vehicle.
  • You should carry personal identification to show that you have diabetes in case of injury in a road traffic accident.
  • You should take extra care during changes of insulin regimens, changes of lifestyle, exercise, travel and pregnancy.
  • You must eat regular meals and snacks and take rest periods on long journeys. Always avoid alcohol.
Advice on managing hypoglycaemia or developing hypoglycaemia at times relevant to driving
  • In each case if your glucose is 5.0mmol/L or less, eat a snack. If it is less than 4.0mmol/L or you feel hypoglycaemic do not drive.
  • If hypoglycaemia develops while driving stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
  • You should switch off the engine, remove the keys from the ignition and move from the driver’s seat.
  • You should not start driving again until 45 minutes after finger prick glucose has returned to normal (at least 5.0mmol/L). It takes up to 45 minutes for the brain to recover fully.
  • If you use a real time (RT-CGM) or flash glucose monitoring (FlashGM) system to check your glucose levels and the reading is 4.0mmol/L or below, you must stop driving and confirm your finger prick glucose test reading.
  • Your finger prick glucose level must be at least 5.0mmol/L before returning to driving.
 
Whatever you happen to be immediately before getting into the driving seat, should you have an accident and they look up your driving licence and thus find out it's a 'medical' one and so ask if you are diabetic on insulin, I would have thought they'd be within the law to ask you to show them you weren't hypo when you started driving or 2 hours prior if you've been driving several hours by then and to test your BG there and then to establish whether you're low now - or are they likely to cart you off to a police station and wait for a doctor to do it? I dunno but it would seem simpler all round to just ask you!

Most I've ever had is a 'producer' years ago, when there was a roadside licence check one day that I happened to get pulled in for, and that was before they computerised it all, though heaven knows why I didn't have my licence with me at that time.
 
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