Driving

Driving and diabetes

If you have diabetes there are some important facts that you need to know about driving.

You must Notify VicRoads that you have diabetes.
Precautions you should take if you have diabetes.
Carry hypo treatment with you all the time if you are on medication or insulin.

For detailed information visit the VicRoads website

Driving a motor vehicle is a complex task involving perception, appropriate judgement, adequate response time and reasonable physical capability. For people with diabetes, the ability to drive safely can be affected by:

Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level)
Impaired vision from retinopathy, high and low blood glucose levels
Numb feet or hands (neuropathy)

Hypoglycaemia

Driving skills can be impaired when the blood glucose level is less than 4mmol/L. Insulin and some diabetes medications (sulphonylureas) can cause hypoglycaemia. Early symptoms of hypoglycaemia include shaking, sweating, dizziness, palpitations, hunger and irritability.

However, some people have hypoglycaemia without any warning signs. This is called hypoglycaemia unawareness and is very dangerous as the person does not realise their concentration is affected and their reaction time is slower. They can also lose consciousness without warning. A blood glucose level that is less than 4 mmol/L, is hypoglycaemia, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Driving while hypoglycaemic has resulted in traffic accidents, road deaths and near misses. People who experience severe hypoglycaemia unawareness may have their license suspended under medical advice.

If you have a major hypo (become unconscious or fit) you should not drive until you have discussed this with your doctor or specialist.

Precautions when driving

If you take insulin or medications that can cause hypoglycaemia (hypo):

Check your blood glucose level before driving. Don’t drive unless over 5 mmol/L
Take your meter, hypo treatment (e.g. jelly beans) and carbohydrate snacks with you, even on short trips
If you have a hypo whilst driving, pull over and turn off the car. Do not drive again until your blood glucose level returns to normal and you feel better
On long trips, plan regular stops for blood glucose testing and snack breaks
Wear identification that states your name, doctor and diabetes treatment
If you think you have hypo unawareness speak to your doctor or diabetes educator to take steps to regain your awareness again.

Notifying Vicroads

VicRoads has the responsibility to ensure all licence holders are fit to drive. The safety of you and others on the road is the main concern. VicRoads procedures and relevant legislation are not intended to deny an individual the right to hold a driver licence. The intent is to protect the safety of the community and the individual concerned.

If you hold a current driver's licence you are legally required to notify Driver Licensing Authorities (VicRoads in Victoria) about your diabetes, even if you do not take any medication. Your doctor may need to complete a medical report to assess your fitness to drive.

Drivers who fail to report their medical condition to the Driver Licensing Authority may receive a substantial penalty or be disqualified from driving for a period of time and may not be covered for insurance.