Insulin and driving [Archive]

Mister Q

04-10-2006, 08:44 AM

JediSkipdogg

04-10-2006, 08:47 AM

Georgia

04-10-2006, 09:02 AM

Hi

As far as I am aware, when you apply you have to fill in a medical questionnaire on your diabetes. The questionnaires can be downladed from the DVLA website. The DVLA will write to your GP/Consultant & based on those reports (i.e. if the DRs state your diabetes is under control) you will be granted a license for 1, 2 or 3 years. At the end of the given period you will then need to renew your license. Hope this helps, but check out the DVLA website as there is loads of info on there.

Georgia

RUFC_MD

04-10-2006, 09:07 AM

Yup that's right, Georgia.

I had to notify the DVLA and have been given a three year renewable license. Each time this is to be renewed they will check with my Doctor that control is good and also check that I have had regular eye tests and so on.

Erin

04-10-2006, 09:13 AM

In the US (in New Jersey at least) it is a bit of a joke. When i got my driver's license they didn't even ask me if I wore contact lenses when they gave me my vision test. I have about 20:1500 vision, and it doesn't say on my license that I should be wearing corrective lenses when I drive.

Forget about asking if I had diabetes...

:driver: that said, I'm a really good driver. Or I was, three years ago, the last time I actually owned a car. Not sure now.

DeusXM

04-10-2006, 09:36 AM

The DVLA are pretty good about diabetes - you get a license that generally lasts you 3 years, and then they send you a tickbox questionnaire which you just then post off and they send new a new license. It's free and you don't even have to bother with a medical. As long as you haven't had a hypo that's caused an accident and you can pass the stardard visual acuity requirements (read a numberplate from 20m away) then you're in the clear to get a new license.

sbuff28@charter

04-10-2006, 10:17 AM

i just check the renewal option, pay my 50 bucks, and off on my way. As long as they give me it thats all im concerned about.

rea

04-10-2006, 10:17 AM

wow.

in canada (alberta) if you take any form of insulin, you have to renew your liscence yearly ($30), after taking your yearly medical ($40). only if you take insulin. the costs kind of piss me off, although in prinicipal the renewal itself is reasonable. (well, the medical is at least, not the liscence renewal).

but I don't think diabetics should be penalized and be forced to pay extra money to drive - there is no health care coverage that I know of for the average person to cover these costs, or income tax reimbursement for the liscence renewal costs.

DeusXM

04-10-2006, 10:52 AM

You have to pay to renew your licenses?

Crikey, all it cost me was the postage (28p). Or the envelope might have been a Freepost one, I can't remember now.

Tatermom

04-10-2006, 10:56 AM

Considering the fact that my license doesn't expire until 2039, I get the feeling that Arizona isn't too worried about medical conditions.

JediSkipdogg

04-10-2006, 11:00 AM

Considering the fact that my license doesn't expire until 2039, I get the feeling that Arizona isn't too worried about medical conditions.

2039????????????

Wow......I work at a PD and haven't seen that yet. I think the longest I recall for a license has been till 2016.

notme

04-10-2006, 11:14 AM

I pay my renewal and off I go also. In CA a doctor is supposed to notify DMV if you have a condition that may impare your driving. Most do not. Mine didn't 20 years ago. The renewal form asks if I have a new condition (since last renewal) that may impare your driving. I think that is sort of a subjective question. I don't have a new condition. Have had it 20 years. I have never had an accident, been unconcious, or driven low for that matter. So, my answer is "no".

If at any time I feel that I am not safe to drive, I will relinquish my license.

Mister Q

04-10-2006, 11:57 AM

2039????????????

Wow......I work at a PD and haven't seen that yet. I think the longest I recall for a license has been till 2016.

Mine expires in 2041 when I am a ripe old 70!! Though if I move onto insulin all that will change, I have read the suff on the DVLA website but just wanted to get some feedback from those who have been there, red tape can be a ***** the world over!! Anyways thanks for the responses guys and gals, it seems to be fairly straighforward in most repsects (if not a little costly in Alberta!!)

JediSkipdogg

04-10-2006, 12:02 PM

I'm personally still amazed states don't make people retake driving tests every 10 years. I personally think every 10 years on the 10 ages (20, 30, 40, etc.) a person should have to retake the written test and a short driving test. That way we have safer drivers out there and possibly lower insurance rates. The stats in our community of only 7.7 square miles show we have 2 accidents a day (we had about 750 last year.) That number is way to many for a small community.

Tatermom

04-10-2006, 12:04 PM

Yep, 2039. You would think it would shorten the line at DMV but it doesn't.

MagsRM23

04-10-2006, 12:55 PM

When I got my license a few years back, they didn't ask me and I didn't tell them I was diabetic! Are we supposed to? Is anyone else from Indiana? I'll have to renew my license in about 9 months once I turn 21, so I suppose I should find out before then! :)

Tokyo Cate

04-10-2006, 07:32 PM

JediSkipdogg

04-10-2006, 07:51 PM

I just thought I'd put a little bit of updated BMV and the federal government info in here. In the United States the BMV systems will soon be changing drastically. The problem currently is every state varies what one has to do to get a license. This makes tracking people extremely difficult at times and makes a license in California being valid in Ohio pretty pointless.

I can't think of two states, but 39 states are what we call Compact States, which means if something happens in one compact state, the info will be forwarded on to your original compact state. So say Kentucky is not a compact state and Ohio is. Now you live in Ohio but work in Kentucky. If you get a ticket EVERY day in Kentucky, you will never have a suspended license. It's just not possibly since it's not your home state, basically you getting points on your license would be useless, and it actually wouldn't happen.

The new system would be a nationwide driver's license system. The national mandate is all BMVs have to be converted to it and start producing the new licenses on January 1, 2008. Every state will have the same exact driver's license and the only difference will be a different state picture and a little additional info that applies to each state.

This new system will make it so no matter where you get a ticket, it will affect your home state's driver's license. Also if you are suspended in one state, you can't go to another state to try to avoid it, which many do and get away with it. I'm sure it will also put mandates on medical questions asked and when license's expire.

The system is very promising, the catch however is many smaller BMVs are still using ancient methods and some states still don't have computerized BMV systems. Therefore the national mandate is allowing states to charge taxes the first few years to offset the costs of this conversion system. Nobody knows what one of those taxes will be, it could make it extremely costly to get a license though.

Ok, I'm done on my total sidetrack.

Erin

04-10-2006, 09:08 PM

The system is very promising, the catch however is many smaller BMVs are still using ancient methods and some states still don't have computerized BMV systems. Therefore the national mandate is allowing states to charge taxes the first few years to offset the costs of this conversion system. Nobody knows what one of those taxes will be, it could make it extremely costly to get a license though.

Ok, I'm done on my total sidetrack.

I'm gonna jump onto your sidetrack for a second... it's not only the smaller DMV's with antiquated methods. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country... and our licenses don't have our PICTURES on them!!! (That is being phased out, everybody has to have a picture by 2007) Imagine pulling somebody over and having them hand you a wrinkly laminated piece of paper, that they claim is their drivers license... with no photo id!

sbuff28@charter

04-10-2006, 09:12 PM

The way i look at it why have a Unenforced law? i speed past cops all the time on the highway going 70-75 and NEVER get pulled over. It's not that I don't like to fallow the rules its simply because every other fricken person on the highway is traveling 75 mph along with me. The speed limit should be 75 and thats that; Enforced to the exact number...why make the line fuzzy...

If the majority of the people think it's safe to travel at 70 then should be so. Isn't that what our contry is based on?

End off-topic rant

JediSkipdogg

04-10-2006, 09:45 PM

I'm gonna jump onto your sidetrack for a second... it's not only the smaller DMV's with antiquated methods. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country... and our licenses don't have our PICTURES on them!!! (That is being phased out, everybody has to have a picture by 2007) Imagine pulling somebody over and having them hand you a wrinkly laminated piece of paper, that they claim is their drivers license... with no photo id!

I did not know that about New Jersey. I guess I haven't seen a New Jersey license yet (I've only been on the job 10 months.) That amazes me though that a state could wait this long before considering to put photos. I guess there is only 1 male that is 6'0" with brown hair, blue eyes, and weighs 209 lbs. And I guess there is only one Tom Jones in the entire state of New Jersey also.

The way i look at it why have a Unenforced law? i speed past cops all the time on the highway going 70-75 and NEVER get pulled over. It's not that I don't like to fallow the rules its simply because every other fricken person on the highway is traveling 75 mph along with me. The speed limit should be 75 and thats that; Enforced to the exact number...why make the line fuzzy...

If the majority of the people think it's safe to travel at 70 then should be so. Isn't that what our contry is based on?

End off-topic rant

The problem with raising the limit is people won't follow it. Here in Ohio the speed limit for most interstates is 60. In the cities it's mainly 55 or 60 and then out in the boonies it may hit 65. Most people do 75-80. While in INdiana a few weeks ago the speed limit was 70 and I was doing 80 just to stay up with people and people were still doing 90 past me.

Enforcing speed at 70 MPH to the point is pretty hard. Remember, the faster a car goes the less time the officer has to get in his car and merge into 70 MPH traffic (which can be a pain) and then find the vehicle they caught. The other major problem is there aren't enough officers to catch all the speeders and traffic tickets don't bring in much money. In Ohio most municipalities charge $80-100 for a speeding ticket. That barely covers the cost (if at all) of paying the officer the time to write it, the court system to process it, and then if the person fights the ticket, all the money needed there in a judge and public attorneys.

Another thing, increasing the speed limit from 65 to 70 increases the chances of being killed in a car accident by 35%. Increasing it from 70 to 75 increases the chances of a fatality by 38%. Plain and simple, speed kills.

In a few states they are thinking of trying a new system though. Canada is about to go online as the test subject for this new system and if all goes well, many states may follow. What they are proposing are camera systems on the highway. Basically on random highway signs there will be cameras that will aim to a certain lane of the highway. It will capture the speed of every vehicle passing through it and take a picture at the same time. It will then print a ticket to be mailed to the owner of the vehicle's house. It's basically the same idea behind red light cameras, except to measure speed on the highways. And since the registered owner of a vehicle is responsible for what happens in it no matter who's driving it, the ticket will pretty much be unfightable even if they weren't driving.

Erin

04-10-2006, 10:13 PM

I did not know that about New Jersey. I guess I haven't seen a New Jersey license yet (I've only been on the job 10 months.) That amazes me though that a state could wait this long before considering to put photos. I guess there is only 1 male that is 6'0" with brown hair, blue eyes, and weighs 209 lbs. And I guess there is only one Tom Jones in the entire state of New Jersey also.

Enforcing speed at 70 MPH to the point is pretty hard. Remember, the faster a car goes the less time the officer has to get in his car and merge into 70 MPH traffic (which can be a pain) and then find the vehicle they caught. The other major problem is there aren't enough officers to catch all the speeders and traffic tickets don't bring in much money. In Ohio most municipalities charge $80-100 for a speeding ticket. That barely covers the cost (if at all) of paying the officer the time to write it, the court system to process it, and then if the person fights the ticket, all the money needed there in a judge and public attorneys.

Well, NJ is kinda backwards when it goes to photos. When you're 17 and first get your license it is required you have a photo, but when you are 21 and have to renew it the first time it is no longer required, but optional. But, to get a photo you have to go down to the DMV and wait in line, if you take the no-photo one it just comes in the mail.

Something we did on the speed limit thing, was a few years back (maybe 10 years?) they increased the speed limit. I can't remember what it changed from or to... either 55 to 65 or 65 to 75... something like that anyway, (I've been out of state for 6 years, and haven't driven in that time) on most major highways. They also DOUBLED the price of speeding tickets on those roads. Doesn't make a difference, people break 100 all the time. Kids are stupid. But at least they are making enough money to cover the police presence. I don't think fatalities have increased... mostly because people were driving that fast anyway.

sydneya

04-10-2006, 11:31 PM

:handkiss: In Washington State I was asked if I ever lost consciousness because of diabetes. I never have so they renewed me for 3 years. I was told once that I could only renew for 1 year, but my license said 3. I have a daughter living in AZ whose license is good until 2039.
And to add to the speed limit part--I was raised in MT where there was no speed limit at the time. Nobody got speeding tickets, but there were plenty of very expensive reckless driving tickets. (not me of course :hypocrite ) I'm not sure where they are at now--they did go back to no speed limit a few years ago and were considering putting one on again because of so many fatalities due to speed. Never no what to do when I drive across MT now. :confused:

Georgia

04-11-2006, 03:29 AM

You also need to inform the DVLA if you have a hypo that required medical treatment. In Feb I fell asleep/fainted or blacked out at the wheel & I haven't driven since - I am undergoing tests to find out what happened. Depending on the results will determine when I can drive again. It's best to be safe than sorry.

Doetsch

04-11-2006, 05:49 AM

In Texas, when you go to the DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles) they are suppose to give you a eye test and ask if you have any conditions. I have never been asked. I just go in, take my picture and I'm out with my new license. You have to get caught doing something wrong before they put it on your record. (i.e: if you get into a wreck due to Diabetes, they would put it on your record and subsequently every time you go to the DMV it will be a hassle getting a renewal without Documentation proving you are in good health.)

Are licenses renew randomly. You get either 2, 4 or 6 years renewal.

In Arizona their licenses are generally good for like 40 years!

leslie91879

04-15-2006, 12:46 PM

In Georgia you are not asked you can tell them if you want to and they will change the background color of the picture on the lic. Also you can not get a cdl lic (meaning you cant drive transfer truck)

TvBabe

04-15-2006, 01:42 PM

My license was issued in British Columbia, Canada. On the renewal form, you must inform the licensing office if you have any medical conditions. I have had to have a medical exam to maintain my license twice and can be asked to have a driver's medical exam annually, but so far they have only asked for them twice.

I am due for another driver's medical exam this year, but will arrange for one the first week I am back in Canada and renew my license immediately. As long as the results show good control, I imagine I will receive a go-ahead for five more years. (I will bring my lab results for the past year so that my doctor can provide an honest report.)

Cate last time I renewed my licence I got a renewal form but there were no questions on it. They asked me if I had a recent eye exam and I told them yes and that I needed glasses for reading. That was it....no other medical questions. Also like you I keep good control of my diabetes so I figure why volunteer the information? :)

sugarfree76

05-14-2006, 06:45 PM

Dewey

05-14-2006, 07:21 PM

In the US it varies by state but most states you are required to tell the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) when you go to get/renew your license. THey will ask if you have any medical conditions, and you are suppose to tell them you are a diabetic. At which point they will then ask for a doctor's note stating your control is OK for you to get/renew your license.

The loophole is if you walk in the BMV and forget you have diabetes for the day.
Ironically, I've Never been asked by either state that I've lived and driven in about my Diabetes (or Any other medical condition, for that matter), even when my insulin pump's being proudly displayed. Of course, some of them may not know what it is, but it's still been a "non-issue" for me. In fact, in one of my photos, you can see the top of my pump & the line...lol.

On the issue of speeding, I totally agree with you. It's a heck of alot harder to stop (or even control a car in a "close call"), if you're going 70 or 80, than it would be if you're traveling at 55 or 60 even. Not to mention, someone who's not paying attention and is going 75 to 80 can slam into the back of a stopped vehicle (say if a wreck were ahead), causing fatalities or other serious injuries! :****mate:
Overall, people drive like sh**. I've seen idiots drive like bats out of he** in snowy & rainy conditions. Sometimes I'll see those same idiots up ahead, in the ditch, wrecked.

valc3

05-14-2006, 07:42 PM

Well, NJ is kinda backwards when it goes to photos. When you're 17 and first get your license it is required you have a photo, but when you are 21 and have to renew it the first time it is no longer required, but optional. But, to get a photo you have to go down to the DMV and wait in line, if you take the no-photo one it just comes in the mail.

Same thing in Vermont.

Carwy

05-14-2006, 07:42 PM

I have a cdl class a with Endorsements x and t
X = Hazardous Materials and Tanker
T = Double or Triple Trailer
I have to renew every four years I have take 5 writen test and have a physical evey year by a doctor that is on the DMV list.

am1977

05-14-2006, 08:44 PM

My driving test was a joke too... though I wasn't a diabetic at the time. I got into the car with the police officer, took a left turn out of the building, drove up a hill, came to a stop sign, made a full stop, and came back down around the bend back to the DMV building. Then pulled into the parking space normally (did not have to back in). End of test :confused:.

At the time, I was thrilled :biggrin: that it was such a piece of cake, but if that's how they test most drivers- there's no wonder we have so many accidents on the road :thumpdown.

befni

05-15-2006, 01:43 AM

Hey Mister Q did you speak to DVLA and get a response, i know this was posted a long time ago but i think it is worth telling them if you have'nt already, when i was first dxd i rang them as the last thing i wanted was to invalidate my insurance and all that happened was they asked me to send my license back and not to drive until it was returned, Within two weeks i had it back with a time limit on it. :rock:

I'm not sure if it has been mentioned but in the UK we have limitations as to what we can drive as diabetics ie No vehicle carrying more than 7 people (minibuses) no taxi driving, buses etc.

I found the DVLA to be most helpful once i got to speak to the correct department, :shakehand

Sorry for the lengthy response and any reply duplications :driver:

welsh_dragon

05-15-2006, 02:48 AM

Hia Mister Q,
I've had my license for almost 6 years now in the uk (how I ever got one is a mystery according to all those brave enough to be my passengers!) but never had any trouble renewing mine, most diabetics get a three year one but if you have additional problems you get the 1/2 year version.

When I got my license first after sending all the forms off I went for my yearly checkup and found out that they'd contacted my diabetes consultant for written confirmation that I was ok, not sure if this happens all the time but worth bearing in mind.

Jules:sheep:

PS the dvla are really helpful and I was able to drive vehicles up to 12 people and a friend of a friend is a diabetic lorry driver with no problems, I think it depends on individual circumstances to a certain extent.

opdaddy

05-16-2006, 07:40 PM

Hi All

Was wondering if anyone could answer me this, if you are insulin dependant does this in any way affect your drving licence (other than HGV or PCV which I know it does) Although I am looking for a brit perspective, would love to hear what happens in other parts of the world too.

i am a bus driver and it limits where u drive a bus. my license says intra state only meaning i can only drive in the state of florida.

dws

05-17-2006, 08:06 AM

I've never been asked, so I figure they didn't want to know :)
Last license was by mail so I'm good till 2011........ unless I expire first :)
don

Simon

05-18-2006, 06:43 AM

I got my catagory C1 licence (up to 7.5 tonne) back after more paperwork that you would believe. It's valid for 12 months then I have more paperwork to get it renewed. Forms have to be filled in and signed by a diabetic consultant who is allowed to charge for it (I was lucky and got it done for free).