Managing Diabetes Behind the Wheel
Practical guidance for professional drivers living with diabetes. Know the rules, stay safe, and keep driving with confidence.
Good News: CGM Now Allowed for Group 2 Drivers
Since 7 November 2025, bus, coach and lorry drivers with diabetes can use Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGM) as an alternative to finger-prick tests. This brings Group 2 drivers in line with car and motorcycle drivers, who have been able to use CGM since 2018.
Read the DVLA announcementThe "5 to Drive" Rule
Your blood glucose must be at the right level before you start driving
5 mmol/l or above
Safe to drive
4 to 5 mmol/l
Eat some carbs before driving
Below 4 mmol/l
Treat your hypo, recheck before driving
Source: Diabetes UK & DVLA
Your Driving Checklist
Follow this every time you drive — it keeps you and others safe
Know the symptoms of a hypo — if you've lost hypo awareness, you must not drive
Keep spare test strips in the cab and bring your meter, even if you use a CGM
Check your blood glucose before every journey, however short
On long journeys, check at least every 2 hours — no more than 2 hours between checks
Always keep fast-acting glucose (sweets, tablets, juice) within easy reach
Take regular breaks on long journeys — don't push through
Don't delay meals or snacks — plan eating around your driving schedule
Pull over safely if you need to confirm CGM readings or treat a hypo
Carry a diabetes ID card or wear a medical bracelet
Never drive if you feel unwell or are experiencing hypo symptoms
DVLA Rules for Professional Drivers
What you need to tell DVLA depending on your treatment
- Group 2 (Bus/Coach/Lorry): You must stop driving and tell DVLA when you start insulin. DVLA will tell you when you can drive again.
- Annual licence review required. Must demonstrate safe blood glucose management.
- CGM and flash glucose monitors now accepted (from Nov 2025) as alternative to finger-prick tests.
- Group 1 (Car/Motorbike): Tell DVLA if insulin treatment lasts over 3 months.
- Group 2: Must tell DVLA if on sulphonylurea or glinide tablets (risk of hypos).
- Group 2: Must tell DVLA if on any other tablets or non-insulin injections.
- Group 1: Check with your doctor or nurse — you may need to tell DVLA depending on your medication.
If your diabetes is managed by diet alone, you do not need to tell DVLA for either Group 1 or Group 2 licences. However, if your treatment changes in the future, you must inform DVLA at that point.
Important: You can be fined up to £1,000
If you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may also be prosecuted if you're involved in an accident as a result.
DVLA Forms
The forms you need depending on your licence type and treatment
Form VDIAB1I
Bus, Coach & LorryGroup 2 licence — insulin-treated diabetes
Form VDIAB1SG
Bus, Coach & LorryGroup 2 licence — sulphonylurea or glinide tablets
Form VDIAB1GEN
Bus, Coach & LorryGroup 2 licence — other tablets or non-insulin injections
Form DIAB1
Car & MotorbikeGroup 1 licence — insulin-treated diabetes (car/motorbike)
Practical Tips for Drivers
Day-to-day advice for managing diabetes on the road
Food & Drink
- Keep healthy snacks in the cab — nuts, fruit, cereal bars
- Carry fast-acting glucose at all times (glucose tablets, juice, sweets)
- Plan meals around your driving schedule — don't skip or delay
- Stay hydrated — dehydration can affect blood sugar levels
- Avoid sugary drinks as your main hydration — water is best
Monitoring
- Use a CGM if available — now accepted for all licence types
- Always carry a backup meter and test strips, even with CGM
- Set alerts on your CGM for low glucose warnings
- Keep a log of your readings — useful for DVLA reviews
- Know your patterns — when does your blood sugar tend to drop?
Health Checks
- Attend your annual diabetes eye screening — retinopathy can affect driving
- Check your feet regularly — neuropathy can affect pedal control
- Keep up with your HbA1c tests and diabetes reviews
- Tell your diabetes team you drive professionally — they can tailor advice
- Report any changes in your condition to DVLA promptly
At Work
- Inform your employer about your diabetes — they have a duty to support you
- Carry a diabetes ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet
- Know your rights — diabetes is a protected condition under the Equality Act
- Ask for reasonable adjustments if needed (break times, storage for medication)
- Don't feel pressured to drive if your blood sugar isn't right
Support & Resources
Where to get help and find more information
Track Your Blood Glucose
Log your readings before driving, during breaks, and around meals. See trends and stay safe behind the wheel.
This page provides general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your diabetes team and check the latest DVLA guidance at gov.uk/diabetes-driving for the most up-to-date rules. Information on this page was last reviewed in March 2026.