O MeA e tAtAU OnA e IlOA - Australian Diabetes Council

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Diabetes and driving
High or low blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with diabetes can affect their ability
to drive safely. People with diabetes may have developed complications such as vision
problems, heart disease or nerve damage, which also can affect driving ability. It is vital that
people with diabetes know what to do in order to keep themselves and others safe while on
the road.
Austroads, the road transport and traffic safety
authority for Australia and New Zealand, has
developed guidelines for doctors to help assess their
patient’s fitness to drive. Diabetes and cardiovascular
disease are just two of the many conditions for which
there are specific medical standards and guidelines
which must be met for licensing and insurance.
The main concern when driving is a low blood glucose
(sugar) level. It can affect a driver’s ability to react
and concentrate. Low blood glucose can also cause
changes in consciousness which could lead to losing
control of the vehicle. People who are taking certain
diabetes medication and/or insulin are at risk of
hypoglycaemia.
Ask your doctor or diabetes educator if you are at risk.
Hyperglycaemia or high blood glucose levels can also affect driving ability as it can cause
blurred vision, fatigue and decreased concentration.
Medical Standards for Licensing
Private and Commercial – – People with diabetes who are managed without medication do
not need to notify the Drivers Licensing Authority and may drive without license restriction.
However, they should be reviewed regularly by their doctor for progression of the disease.
Private Licence – People with diabetes who are managed with medication, but not insulin,
and do not have any diabetes complications do not need to notify the Drivers Licensing
Authority. They need to be reviewed every five years (meeting all other Austroads criteria). If
you do have any acute or chronic complications a conditional licence may be granted after
review by your treating doctor.
Commercial Licence – People with diabetes who are managed with medication, but not
insulin, need to notify the Drivers Licensing Authority in person. A conditional driver’s
licence may be granted subject to the opinion of the specialist, the nature of the driving task
and at least an annual review (meeting all other Austroads criteria).
Private Licence – People with diabetes who are managed with insulin need to notify the
Drivers Licensing Authority in person. A conditional licence may be granted subject to the
opinion of the specialist/treating doctor, the nature of the driving task and at least a two
yearly review (meeting all other Austroads criteria)
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