Important
If you get warning symptoms of a hypo while you're driving, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not ignore the warning symptoms.
When you are driving :
- always carry your blood glucose meter and strips with you
- carry personal identification to show you have diabetes in case of an accident
- never drink and drive
- make sure your blood glucose meter displays the correct time and date so you have a record
If your blood glucose is 5.0 mmol/l or less, have a snack. If it is less than 4.0 mmol/l or you feel hypoglycaemic (low blood glucose), do not drive.
Legal requirements
Legally, if you have diabetes and you drive you need to:
- check your blood glucose is above 5mmol/L before driving
- check your blood glucose every 2 hours if you're on a long journey
- carry a glucose meter, hypo treatment and carbohydrate snacks like a cereal bar or banana when driving
If you feel your levels are low
- Stop the car when it's safe.
- Remove the keys from the ignition.
- Get out of the driver's seat.
- Check your blood glucose and if low, treat your hypo.
- Do not drive for 45 minutes after you start to feel better.
Insurance, driving license and type 1 diabetes
You need to let your insurance company and the National Driving License Service (NDLS) know you have type 1 diabetes. This will not stop you driving, they just need to know you're on insulin.
Download the NDLS booklet 'Diabetes and driving' (PDF, 8 pages 584KB)
