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Driving

  • Diabetes and driving

    Diabetes can affect your driving in a number of ways. If you have diabetes, you must notify VicRoads. Drivers are legally required to report to VicRoads any medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive.

    If you’re applying for a licence or learner permit, you will need to provide VicRoads with a medical report before your licence/permit can be issued.

    Your endocrinologists will assess your medical fitness to drive and sign your VicRoads form at a face to face appointment.

    What do I need to do to apply for my licence?

    · A copy of a recent eye check from an optometrist. You will need this before asking your endocrinologist to complete the VicRoads paperwork. 

    · An appointment to see your endocrinologist

    · A copy of the Vic Roads Medical Report : notifying VicRoads about your medical condition or disability and click medical report pdf under the heading “Self Reporting”

    · If CGM / Flash GM is not in use, evidence of regular blood glucose checks at least 4 times a day.

    · If CGM /Flash GM is in use, an upload showing regular device use, blood glucose checking to confirm high or low sensor glucose readings and if required, any necessary calibrations

    This is not only for your safety, but for the safety of others on the road


    How diabetes can affect your driving?

    Some side-effects of diabetes / insulin administration may affect your ability to drive safely including:
    - hypoglycaemia
    - recent severe hypoglycaemia, If you have a servere hypo you must notify Vic Roads
    - changes to your vision
    - nerve damage

    How to stay safe on the road? Every time you drive:

    - Check blood glucose or CGM/ Flash GM before each trip – "Above 5mmol/L to drive". Always confirm a scanned glucose with a blood glucose check if glucose is less than 4 mmol/L or you have symptoms of hypopglycaemia, no matter what the sensor is reading

    - Always have your meter, hypo treatment and long acting carbohydrate with you in the car. 

    - Stop and check your BGL / CMG / Flash GM at least every 2 hours

    - If you have a hypo while driving pull over and turn engine off. Treat the hypo and wait until your BGL is 5mmol/L or higher

    - We also recommend that you wear a medic alert or similar identification that states your name and that you have diabetes


    Helpful links: 

    NDSS – Driving and diabetes 

    VicRoads – diabetes