DVLA could 'revoke' 4.4 million driving licences due to medical decision

DVLA could 'revoke' 4.4 million driving licences due to medical decision
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The DVLA could "revoke" 4.4 million driving licences as a result of a medical rule, it has been warned. The motoring body has strict rules for drivers with diabetes, with 4.4 million people battling the health condition up and down the country.

Diabetes UK said: "They look at your fitness to drive based on how you treat your diabetes and if you have any diabetes complications. It’s really important that you follow these rules as soon as they start applying to you. For example, you should stop driving and contact the DVLA as soon as you find out you have to take insulin for the long term or if you start to develop complications. If you don’t, you’re breaking the law.

"In all cases, if you have one severe hypo at the wheel you must stop driving and tell the DVLA straight away." Diabetes UK has reported how there are rules for motorists, road users and drivers who are battling the health condition.

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If you have more than one severe hypo while awake in 12 months you must stop driving and tell the DVLA. Your licence will be revoked but you can apply again after three months. You must check your blood sugars at least twice a day including days when you’re not driving.

Group 2 drivers have to do this twice a day using finger prick testing and record on a blood glucose meter, even if you're using Flash Glucose Monitoring or CGM, it adds. You must also check your blood sugars no more than two hours before you drive, every time you drive—and then every two hours of the journey.

When you have your annual licence review, you must be able to supply 6 weeks of uninterrupted evidence of your blood sugar readings (from the twice a day finger prick tests) on your blood glucose meter (glucometer). Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of car insurance experts Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause health complications which can impact reaction times and judgement, especially hypoglycaemia which can often cause drowsiness or impacted vision.

“Although this is not a health condition which means you won’t be able to drive at all, it is important the DVLA is informed.”