The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a stark warning that could see some drivers with diabetes forced off the road. This follows the publication of its latest 'Assessing fitness to drive' guide for medical professionals.
Key Change: Personal Awareness Over Device Alarms
The updated report from the Secretary of State’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Driving and Diabetes provides crucial new clarity. It defines adequate awareness of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) as a driver's ability to recognise symptoms in time to stop their vehicle safely.
Significantly, the DVLA states that alarms on continuous glucose monitoring devices should only "supplement, not replace" a driver's own awareness. These alarms must be set to levels above 4.0mmol/L while driving.
The agency delivers a clear directive: "If a driver becomes dependent on these alarms to recognise low glucose, they must stop driving and notify DVLA." This could lead to drivers being required to surrender their licences.
Stricter Checks for Professional Drivers
The DVLA has also detailed tightened procedures for insulin-treated Group 2 drivers, who hold licences for buses and lorries. The requirements are now more rigorous.
Applicants must stop driving Group 2 vehicles as soon as they start insulin treatment, and cannot resume until the DVLA makes a licensing decision. They must demonstrate a stable medical condition for at least one month before applying.
Furthermore, these drivers must now attend an annual examination by an independent diabetes consultant specialist. At this check-up, the consultant will review four weeks of glucose self-monitoring records stored on the memory of a glucose meter.
Applicants must also sign a formal undertaking to comply with their healthcare team's directions and to report any significant change in their condition to the DVLA immediately.
When All Drivers Must Notify the DVLA
The guidance applies to all licence holders. Group 1 drivers (cars and motorcycles) must stop driving and notify the DVLA if they develop visual complications from diabetes that affect their sight.
The law provides a critical definition: a 'severe' hypoglycaemic episode is one requiring the assistance of another person. Any driver, whether Group 1 or Group 2, who experiences such an episode while driving must not drive and must inform the DVLA.
This comprehensive update underscores the DVLA's focus on ensuring road safety is paramount, placing clear responsibilities on drivers to manage their condition proactively and report any changes that could affect their fitness to drive.
