Driving with T1D

DRIVING

Those with Type 1 can hold a drivers licence or learner permit as long as your diabetes is well managed. The main concern for driving authorities is the risk for hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) while driving. Other concerns are around diabetes complications such as deteriorating vision.

As a rule of thumb remember  'ABOVE 5 TO DRIVE' . Ensure you check your blood glucose at least every 2 hours. 

-You must inform licensing authorities that you have Type 1 Diabetes; such as VicRoads.

-It is advisable to inform you vehicle insurance company of your Type 1

 NDSS & Diabetes Australia advice on driving and getting your licence:

🚗If you have Type1, you may need to provide a medical report before a driver’s licence or learner permit can be issued. 

🚗This report should be from your treating doctor or Diabetes Educator stating that a medical examination has been performed and you have been assessed as fit to drive.

🚗The main concern for licensing authorities is the possibility of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) while driving.

🚗 Hypoglycaemia can impair your ability to drive safely. Ensure that you always have a carbohydrate snack available in your car. If you feel your blood glucose level is low, pull over immediately and stop your car. Do not restart your car until you have treated your hypoglycaemia and feel absolutely normal.

🚗Type1 Diabetes complications like eye problems are also of a concern as it affects your ability to drive safely.

🚗 If you develop Type1 you must inform the Driver Licensing Authorities in your state or territory. 

🚗If you have Type1 Diabetes you will require a medical certificate every two years. If you are required to notify the authorities but don’t, you could be charged with driving offences if you have a driving accident. 

🚗People living with Type1 can drive a car like every other person on the roads perfectly well. 

🚗 The old guidelines used a person’s average blood glucose measurement over a three-month period (the HbA1c measurement) to determine if their Type1 diabetes management was adequate to indicate they were safe to drive. 

🚗This number was only ever intended as a guide for doctors, but unfortunately many people with Type1 diabetes had their licences suspended because this ‘guide’ 

measurement was interpreted strictly. 

🚗Diabetes Australia has successfully advocated for the removal of references to HbA1c from the guidelines and we are very pleased Austroads has made these changes.

🚗People with Type1 should never drive with a BGL if under 5. If you are using a CGM you should also check via finger prick. 

🚗People with Type1 can take passengers like every other driver after their probationary period is up. 

🚗People with Type1 are awesome drivers!!