DVLA Rules for Drivers with Diabetes

In a nutshell:
In assessing your fitness to hold a Class 2 licence with diabetes, the DVLA will be looking to see that your diabetes, is well controlled, you are having regular diabetic checks and there is no risk from hypos or other diabetic related complications. If controlled by diet, tablets or bi-guanides (e.g. exanatide) you will probably be fit to hold a Class 2 licence.

The regulations regarding insulin have recently been changed to allow drivers with insulin treated diabetes to hold a class 2 licence if they meet certain criteria.

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Treatment with Insulin

The rules for drivers treated with insulin were changed on 14 |nov 2011 to allow drivers that are well controlled to hold a class 2 license. Drivers will have to meet certain conditions:

  • They must have had no hypoglycaemic attacks requiring assistance whilst driving within the previous 12 months.
  • They must regularly monitor their condition by checking their blood glucose levels at least twice daily and at times relevant to driving. We advise the use of a memory chip meters for such monitoring.
  • They must arrange to be examined every 12 months by a hospital consultant, who specialises in diabetes. At the examination the consultant will require sight of their blood glucose records for the last 3 months.
  • They must have no other condition, which would render them a danger when driving C1 vehicles.
  • They will be required to sign an undertaking to comply with the directions of doctors(s) treating the diabetes and to report immediately to DVLA any significant change in their condition.

Treatment with Tablets

Drivers will be licenced unless they develop relevant disabilities e.g. diabetic eye problems affecting visual acuity or visual fields, in which case either refusal, revocation or short period licence.

Drivers are advised to monitor their blood glucose regularly and at times relevant to driving, particularly if taking medication likely to cause hypoglycaemia.

Treatment with Diet

Need not notify DVLA unless develop relevant disabilities e.g. Diabetic eye problems affecting visual acuity or visual field or if insulin required.

Treatment with Exenatide (Byetta), Liraglutide (Victoza) or Gliptins

These new injections may allow drivers to continue to hold an LGV, PCV or taxi licence. Although not suitable for everybody, they may be an option if your diabetes is not well controlled with tablets, and as an alternative to starting insulin. There is a risk of hypoglycaemia when used with certain tablets for diabetes (sulphonylureas) and each case is dealt with individually by DVLA.

What to Bring

Essential

  • List of any medication
  • Dates of any laser eye treatment

Useful

Evidence for DVLA that your condition is well controlled. This may include:

  • Date and results of tests (HbA1c, creatinine, urine ACR/PCR)
  • Date and results of eye retinopathy screening
  • Date of last diabetic clinic review (at hospital or your GP)
  • Results of regular home testing (essential if on insulin)

Useful Links

DVLA At A Glance (the rules written for doctors)

Diabetes UK