Diabetes & Driving
The basics
What is a Fitness to Drive Assessment?
Drivers need good vision, physical ability, and cognitive capacity to undertake the complex task of driving a motor vehicle. Driver health and fitness to drive is therefore an important factor in supporting the safety of Australians who use the roads.
Diabetes may affect a person’s ability to drive, either through a ‘severe hypoglycaemic event’ or from the effects of diabetes on the function of important organs, including effects on vision, the heart and the nerves and blood vessels of the extremities, particularly the feet.
What are my responsibilities as a driver?
If you are applying for or already hold a drivers licence and you have been diagnosed with diabetes, treated by glucose lowering agents and/or insulin, you are required by law to notify VicRoads.
How will VicRoads assess my fitness to drive?
VicRoads determines your fitness to drive on a case-by-case basis in accordance with national medical standards. Medical advice and assessment outcomes are also considered. Standards for commercial truck, taxi and bus licences are stricter than those for private licences. Drivers with diabetes are often required to provide an annual report from an endocrinologist and an eye specialist.
What do I need for my endocrinologist appointment?
A recent optometry report, within the last 12 months*
Your recent blood glucose readings taken twice daily OR continuous glucose monitor (CGM) report
Your Fitness to Drive notice from VicRoads or Austroads
Your referral letter to see an Endocrinologist
*SpecSavers bulk bills eye tests to Medicare so there are no out of pocket expenses for you. You can book online below.
