In Northern Ireland, you must inform the DVA if you have diabetes when you are first applying for a licence by stating you have diabetes and how you are treated in the health section of the licence application form.
You do not need to inform them if your diabetes is treated with diet alone or diet and tablets unless:
- you are applying for a licence for the first time
- you are applying for a renewal licence
- your insurance company specifically requests a letter from the DVA regarding
your condition.
You will also need to inform the DVA if you develop complications. These are the same complications bullet-pointed under the section ‘Informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’.
People treated with diet and/or tablets are issued with a 10-year licence.
People taking insulin are given a licence that is valid for one, two or three years, as in the rest of the UK.
If you already have a driving licence and have just been diagnosed, you need to inform the DVA you have diabetes right away and not wait until your licence is due for renewal.
You will be sent a medical questionnaire if you hold car entitlement, or a DLM1 form if you hold large goods vehicle (LGV), or passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) entitlement.
The forms will ask for your permission for their medical advisor to approach your diabetes healthcare team for more information. There are stricter rules for Group 2 vehicle drivers.