Driving
Learning to drive
Can’t wait to get behind the wheel? Take a second to read this before you put on those ‘L’ plates
As long as your diabetes is well controlled and your doctor confirms this if asked, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be issued with a licence. People with Type 1 diabetes get a licence for one, two or three years, which can then be renewed.
There should also be no problem getting insurance. But you must tell an insurance company that you have diabetes. If you don’t, it may make your insurance invalid, which would be a disaster if you need to claim. Your premium should not be increased because of your diabetes, and if it is, move your business elsewhere.
Getting into first gear
You’ll need cash and a provisional licence before you can start taking driving lessons. And there will be a part on the form to fill out about your diabetes.
It’s a good idea to tell your driving instructor that you have diabetes.
When you pass, you’ll receive a ‘Diabetic 1’ form asking for more info and the name and address of your doctor. Answer the questions honestly. You’ll be asked to fill in a consent form so that the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) can ring your doctor if necessary.
The hypo-highway code
Having a hypo while you are driving a car (or riding a motorbike) can be fatal, not only for you, but for others as well. Whether you are driving or not, you should always carry some form of glucose with you in a pocket or bag.
- Try not to drive for more than two hours without having a snack.
- Don’t delay or miss a meal or snack.
- Check your blood glucose before you drive. If you stop for a break, check it again.
- If you feel like you are going hypo, stop driving as soon possible. Remove the keys from the ignition, leave the driving seat, then test your blood glucose levels. Don’t start driving again until you have dealt with the hypo (see pages 19–21).
- Held up? You can’t predict traffic jams but you can pre-empt them by carrying snacks and glucose tablets just in case.
- It’s obvious, but never drink and drive.