The DVLA consulted on proposals to amend driving licence standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy with reference to Annex III to Directive 91/439/EEC and 2006/126/EC.
The consultation on the proposed changes will affect the minimum medical standards for driving in relation to diabetes and covers both Group 1 and Group 2 licences.
The consultation proposed to amend UK driving for the following standards:
- Drivers experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycaemia shall not be issued a licence – ‘severe recurrent hypoglycaemia’ is now defined as ‘a second severe hypoglycaemia during a period of 12 months’
- Any Severe Hypoglycaemic event, even when not driving, must be reported and will now lead to driver reassessment.
- Drivers with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia will not be issued licences, nor be able to renew. Impaired awareness is now defined as a total absence of warning symptoms.
- Group 1 Drivers with tablet treated diabetes will not be required to inform the DVLA unless they develop visual complications or hypoglycaemia. This is on the basis that they are under regular medical review – based on NHS prescribing reviews taking place every 12 months.
- Drivers treated by insulin will now be able to apply for Group 2 licences based on the 5 point criteria and an annual review undertaken by an expert diabetologist.
Diabetes UK responded on behalf of our members and all people affected by the proposed changes.
In July 2011, the transport minister, Mike Penning MP, announced that he intended to bring forward the amendments to the standards for people with diabetes from October 2011. This means that the standards listed above will be introduced. Current UK Driving Regulations and application procedure should be adhered to until the DVLA enacts these changes.
We are still waiting for a report of the consultation from the DVLA. This is now likely to be published in September 2011.
July 2011
Please download the full response (PDF) 285KB