Will my licence be revoked?

[pippaandben]

Type 2 for 18 months on increasing medication Informed this week I will need to go on insulin next week. Currently doing maximum testing so DSN can determine correct regime for me.

Now very worried after reading various threads which imply my license will be revoked immediately for at least 3 months or until my BG is under control. Currently it is mid/high 20s with metformin and diamicron at maximum dosages.

How long will it take to get under control? - weeks, months. My husband relies on me driving when his neck and/or back (chronic illnesses) are really playing up as thery have been for the past 2 weeks. As you can imagine I have never experienced a hypo but always carry glucose tablets with me. My lowest reading ever has been 6.3ht forward to me.

Any info / help/ advice welcome. DVLA form looks straight forward except for saying I am under control!!!

 

[novorapidboi26]

I was already diabetic when I got my license so I couldn't give an accurate account..........but the worst case scenario I would imagine would be the DVLA asking your doctors for written confirmation that you are capable of driving......

As a type 1 I am always testing and reviewing my dose, but that's acceptable for the DVLA. As long as you can spot hypos and are able to treat them.....

I would say you are in a period of review and adjustment, but certainly not out of control as far as the diabetes is concerned.....

your diabetic may have better answers.........

 

[Copepod]

Always best to consult the experts, or at least, the organisation that makes the decisions - in this case, DVLA - see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/MedicalRulesForDrivers/MedicalA-Z/DG_185427 and click on "Download 'A guide to filling in your DIAB1 medical form (INF250)' (PDF, 414K), below title "Car or motorcycle driving licence holders"

Your diabetes team should cover driving as part of your instruction for starting on insulin, but in the meantime, you should always test before starting driving, plus every 2 hours on longer journeys. If below 5.5mol/l, you must eat and check again before setting off. You must always ensure you have quick acting and longer acting carbohydrate food and drink in your car - ideally in door or glove box. Boot is not acceptable, as you'd have to get out of car to fetch food.

 

[Vicsetter]

When you go onto insulin you should receive a restricted licence (renewed every 3 yrs) unless your GP/consultant says otherwise. When DVLA says under control they are interested in Hypos.
So it is important, and I am sure this will be the guidance, that you start on a low dose and increase gradually until your numbers reduce to at least single figures.
I've carried, glucose tablets, lucozade, jelly babies etc, etc for years now and they all go out of date and don't get used.

Are you restricting your carbs as well? Be careful of changing your diet AND your medication at the same time you could overdo things. And of course test regularly, especially before and every 2hrs during driving.

 

[pgcity]

Hiya. I was diagnosed last year and this is what happened to me.

Put on insulin
Told not to drive
Returned license to dvla with medical form and informed insurance company
Had 4/5hypos in the first 2 weeks that I recognised and treated
Dsn advised me I had good awareness and was safe to drive and could do so whilst I waited for my license to come back.

Hope this helps.