Diabetes and driving
If you have diabetes, you can hold a driver’s licence or learner's permit as long as your diabetes is well controlled.
The main concern of the licensing authorities is the possibility of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) while driving. Diabetes complications like eye problems are also a concern.
All States and Territories use the national guidelines of medical fitness to assess people with diabetes who wish to begin or continue driving. These guidelines intend to protect your safety and the safety of the community as a whole.
The guidelines attempt to balance the safety of all concerned and avoid any unfairness against people with diabetes.
Obtaining a licence
If you have diabetes, a medical report must be provided before a driver's licence or learner's permit can be issued. This report should be from your treating doctor (general practitioner) or diabetes specialist.
What to do if you develop diabetes
- You should inform the licensing authorities and your insurance company if you develop diabetes. If you continue to drive and have an accident, you could be charged with driving offences. There may also be problems with insurance claims if your diabetes has not been reported.
- See your doctor for a thorough medical examination. Get a note or report from your doctor that says you are OK to drive and send this report to the licensing authorities.
- Discuss your driving specifically with your doctor so that you fully understand what you should do to ensure that you drive safely.
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and driving
- Hypoglycaemia can impair your ability to drive safely.
- Ensure that you always have something sweet and a carbohydrate snack available in your car.
- If you feel your blood sugar level is low, pull over immediately and stop your car. Do not restart your car until you have treated your hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and feel absolutely normal.
Diabetes complications and driving
If you have impaired vision, nerve damage or heart problems, talk with your doctor about the possible effects on your ability to drive safely.
National guidelines for review of driving licences
- Cars and motorcycles. Review of your licence depends on how your diabetes is controlled (by diet, by tablets, or by insulin).
- Diet control: no medical examination necessary.
- Tablet treatment: medical examination every 5 years unless more frequent examinations are required.
- Insulin treatment: 2-yearly medical examinations unless more frequent examinations are required.
- Buses, taxis, trucks and dangerous goods vehicles.
- Diet control: annual medical examination by a specialist. More frequent examinations may be required.
- Insulin: insulin treated persons are not eligible for this type of licence. However a licence may be granted if the person’s specialist recommends it. If issued, annual review by the specialist is required.
Note.
There may be some variations according to States and Territories. Check with your licensing authorities.
Last Reviewed: 10 July 2003
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