Driver's license

[Anne]

Does anybody know the rules for obtaining a driver's license? Do you disclose that you have diabetes or not?
Anne

[rickst29]

It varies from one State to another. In many, there will be a general question about diabetes which will cause a longer form/questionaire to be sent afterwards. This form will ask about loss-of-consciousness episodes, and require your MD to certify that you *ARE* currently in good control, and can be trusted driving a car.

If your Dr. can't certify that, you really need to solve the problem (rather than whine about the question). Driving accidents kill nearly 15 times more people EVERY YEAR than the entire death toll of Americans in the Iraq war (to date). It's dangerous and should not be taken lightly. Before I got a CGMS, my protocol was to stop and test every 20 minutes, never drive below 90. Yes, it was a hassle, but it was necessary for me to be a safe driver. You and I simply MUST NOT drive in a manner which makes you a danger to yourself, your passengers, and other vehicles and Pedestrians.

Now I still do the same thing (stop driving at 90 mg/dL and eat sugar tabs, WAIT until I've come back up before proceeding). But with CGMS, I don't have to keep stopping to perform the tests-- I can simply drive unless the buzzer goes off, or I see it going down. When I drive, I take the CGMS out of my pocket and put it in the center console cup holder, where it's easy for me or my DW to grab at for a quick look at any time. I of course have a real fingerstick monitor as backup too, for whenever I question the validity of the CGMS device.

[KatelinsMom]

My daughter will be getting her driver's license in August. I was looking at the DMV's website for our state and found the driver's license application.

There wasn't any question specifically asking about diabetes; however, one question was "Do you have any physical or mental conditions or impairments that affect your ability to drive safely?" If yes, what is the condition or impairment and describe how this affects your ability to drive safely.

I am unsure if I would even want to disclose the diabetes in this case. What does everyone else think?:confused:

[Twinklet]

In California, you have to disclose it and then the DMV will send you a packet for you and your doctor to fill out that is 2 inches thick. :p I don't recall all the details (this was covered in a D class I took), but I do know that testing each and every time before getting behind the wheel is required here.

[jpb286]

There wasn't any question specifically asking about diabetes; however, one question was "Do you have any physical or mental conditions or impairments that affect your ability to drive safely?" If yes, what is the condition or impairment and describe how this affects your ability to drive safely.

I am unsure if I would even want to disclose the diabetes in this case. What does everyone else think?:confused:

Virginia DMV has that same question, and when filling out my DL application I put "NO". Diabetes DOESN'T affect my ability to drive safely. I test before I drive, if I am ok, then I drive. If I am NOT OK, then I DONT DRIVE. Its that simple. If my BG is out of order, then NO, it doesn't affect my ability to drive because I just DONT DRIVE. If I feel low or something while driving then I stop at the next place I see (which here is every 2 feet), stop, check, and correct or eat as necessary, and WAIT IT OUT. So in short, NO, I dont have any physical or mental conditions or impairments that affect your ability to drive safely."

When on the ambulance, I always check my BG before I drive, and/or between calls so I can stay ahead of the game and not have a problem while driving a 15,000 lb ambulance. If I am ok, but dropping, I will have my partner drive, and I will eat or correct as necessary and do patient care instead of driving. If I am ok, I will drive and let him do the patient care. (But we tend to alternate every other call anyway, so its never a problem; and I dont LET IT become a problem!) :)

[Mama Belle]

I love how proactive everyone on this site is. Yes D can make blood sugars erratic, but if we know how to be proactive and stay on top of things we can avoid so many issues! It is like being a defensive diabetic (instead of defensive driver). If you can prepare for reasonable problematic situations, then you can usually prevent them.

[deafmack]

Does anybody know the rules for obtaining a driver's license? Do you disclose that you have diabetes or not?
Anne

Which state do you live in? You can do a research for your state laws on http://www.findlaw.com and click on the professional link. Look for your state and then in the search box look for driving laws. If that doesn't help I can do it for you. Each state is different. In Washington State they do not ask that question but some states do and the person with diabetes has to have a release form from their doctor to be able to drive. Here if you have had any period of unconsciousness you have to stop driving for 6 months, but I do not know the laws in your state.
Wishing you the best in finding the answers to your questions.

[Jeff]

If your state requires disclosure, I HIGHLY recommend that you comply with the law. If you fail to disclose diabetes, and your child is involved with an accident, your insurance could rightly void your policy and you would be personally liable for all damages -- property and personal.

As a follow up, see:

Diabetes and Driving Mishapshttp://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/26/8/2329

which has:

CONCLUSIONS—Type 1 diabetic drivers are at increased risk for driving mishaps, but type 2 diabetic drivers, even on insulin, appear not to be at a higher risk than nondiabetic individuals. Clinical and treatment factors appear to increase risk, e.g., more frequent hypoglycemia while driving, method of insulin delivery, and infrequent self-testing before driving. Physicians are encouraged to talk to their type 1 diabetic patients about hypoglycemia and driving.

[brownhound]

My son got his learners permit about 9 months ago ( whoch means his liscence is coming in about 3 months)...they did ask if he has any conditions, and we did list diabetes...it's on his permit as "insulin dependant". I figure, its a good identifier if he got in an accident or something (which I'm not exactly counting on, but figuring that the odds are pretty high that it will happen). The endo was just recently talking to him about driving, and suggested that he always have a snack on board, as driving while low, or crashing is just like driving while drunk!And of course, always check BG before driving. But the Dr. didn't have to fill out anything, or recommend the permit. We just went and got it for him. We live in Florida, but the way.

[Boo]

In my opinion, ethically, you need to disclose it. I think this needs to be done in protection of yourself as well as in the matter of personal responsibility. It's just another one of those things that you SHOULD do, even though it may temporarily put a whole lot more hassle right into your lap.

In the case of your daughter, I'd try to be proactive and include a copy of a letter from your endo along with the driver's license application.