We did it! DVLA and DVA give Flash and CGM the green light
We’re delighted that, the DVLA and DVA have now agreed to allow drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin to have more choice in how they check their glucose (sugar) levels.
Changes to the guidelines now means that drivers can choose to use flash glucose monitoring and continuous glucose monitoring before they drive, or during breaks in driving. Until now, drivers had to check their sugar levels with a finger-prick test no more than two hours before driving and then every two hours whilst driving.
These guidelines apply to car and motorcycle drivers who treat their diabetes with insulin. The requirements for checking sugar levels for bus and lorry drivers remains the same.
Drivers must also confirm their blood sugar levels with a finger-prick test if:
- their sugar level is 4mmol/l or below
- they have symptoms of a hypo
- the glucose monitoring system gives a reading that is not consistent with the symptoms they are having (for example, they feel the symptoms of a hypo but the reading does not show this).
Get all the facts on this in our driving and diabetes guide.
Nikki Joule, Policy Manager at Diabetes UK, said:
“The new guidance, which means that flash glucose monitoring and continuous glucose monitoring can be used in driving, is a major victory for people with diabetes.
Innovative technologies such as these make people’s lives easier, because they improve their ability to monitor their blood glucose levels day-to-day and manage their condition safely, including whilst driving.
We look forward to keep on working with the DVLA to make sure people living with diabetes are treated fairly, and that everyone is able to hold a driving licence if they meet medical fitness standards.”
More driving campaign wins
Great news. From Monday, 1 January 2018, people who have severe hypoglycaemia when they are asleep will no longer risk losing their driving licence.
The law has finally changed. It also now says that a licence can be issued three months after the most recent episode of severe hypoglycaemia (rather than not before 12 months after the penultimate episode as it is currently).
For more information, read our Driving and diabetes FAQs - January 2018 (PDF, 515KB).
Why did this happen?
We have been campaigning for this change since 2011, and this will be of benefit to many people with diabetes who drive such as Helen, Martyn and Steph, who all lost their licences due to night-time hypos.
Working with the DVLA, the European Union reviewed the Directive on driving and diabetes. A change was agreed to the EU-wide directive, and the law was then brought in at the UK-level to reflect this new wording in January 2018.
What should I do if I need advice about driving?
If you have concerns or need advice about driving with diabetes please contact Diabetes UK’s Helpline. Further information is also available in our guide to driving with diabetes.
