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Diabetes at the RCH

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 let VicRoads know of 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 complete your VicRoads form at a face to face appointment.

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

    See Transport Victoria - medical conditions and Notifying VicRoads about your medical condition.

    Your endocrinologist needs to fill in the medical report in your appointment.

    In order for your endocrinologist to fill in the application, you need to complete the following and bring these along to your clinic appointment: 

    • A copy of a recent eye check from an optometrist. 
    • If you are not using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), you need to bring evidence of regular blood glucose levels (BGL). BGLs are required at least 4 times a day.
    • If you are using CGM, access to your upload showing regular device use as well as BGL checks that confirm very high (15 mmol/L or higher) or low (less than 4 mmol/L) CGM readings.

    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 severe hypoglycaemia, you must notify VicRoads.
    - Changes to your vision.
    - Nerve damage

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

    • Check BGLs or CGM before each trip – "Above 5mmol/L to drive". Always confirm your glucose with a fingerprick BGL, if; your glucose is less than 4 mmol/L, you have symptoms of hypopglycaemia or your CGM is 15 mmol/L or higher. 
    • Always have your meter, hypo treatment and long acting carbohydrate with you in the car. 
    • Stop and check your BGL or CGM at least every 2 hours on long drives. 
    • 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 and feel better before you start to drive again.  
    • We also recommend that you wear a Medic Alert or have medical ID on your phone (For Apple or for Android) or similar identification that states your name and that you have diabetes

    Helpful links: 

    National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS): Driving and diabetes 

    Transport Victoria - medical conditions 

    Page updated November 2024