Diabetes UK talking to DVLA about changes to rules on driving

Representatives from Diabetes UK and Adrian Sanders MP (Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes) met in November with the Transport Minister, Mike Penning MP, recently to raise concerns about changes to rules on driving with diabetes.

A new European directive being implemented by the DVLA means people with diabetes who report two ‘severe’ hypo episodes in a 12-month period may have their Group 1 licence revoked. Diabetes UK has expressed concern that this is open to misunderstanding. People can often experience hypos when asleep, and the word ‘severe’ could also be misunderstood as many hypos can be quickly and easily treated with an appropriate snack.

Mike Penning MP told Diabetes UK he would be concerned if the numbers of people with diabetes losing their licence was to rise very steeply following the recent changes and that on balance he wanted to enable people to drive. He agreed that there was a need for more clarity both for people with diabetes, and clinicians, around what the criteria for assessing fitness to drive are for people with diabetes.

Following the meeting a working group will be set up, which is expected to review how the definitions of ‘severe’ hypoglycaemia are expressed. The group will also monitor how many people with diabetes are having their licences revoked and help improve the guidance given to people with diabetes and to healthcare professions about the driving licence application and renewal process. Diabetes UK will be a key representative in the working group, and will ensure people with diabetes are included in the discussions.

Simon O’Neill, Director of Care, Information and Advocacy at Diabetes UK, said, “This top-level working group will address many of the concerns raised by people with diabetes over the last few months. Diabetes UK is grateful to all the people with diabetes who shared their concerns and experiences, allowing us to pile on the pressure and get us to the current position. We now have a real opportunity to take forward our concerns and resolve these issues, and we will continue working with the DVLA to try and ensure the process for people with diabetes who are applying and re-applying for licences is fair, consistent, transparent and safe.”

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