We recently had an enquiry about driving and diabetes in Western Australia. Here, we cover what you to know if you are newly diagnosed. 

If you have diabetes and manage it with insulin or other medications, you are required by law to report this to the West Australian Department of Transport. 

This doesn’t mean you need to stop driving, but you may need regular medical reviews to ensure you are safe while driving – your doctor will tell you how often.

This helps to ensure both your safety and that of other drivers.

If your diabetes is managed with diet and exercise, but not medication, there are no licence conditions, but managing your glucose levels and seeing your doctor for checkups is recommended.

How diabetes can affect driving

Diabetes can sometimes affect how safe it is to drive. The risks might include low glucose levels (hypo), feeling tired, changes in vision or reduced feeling in the feet, which can make driving more challenging.

If you take insulin or some diabetes medications, the main risk when driving is a low glucose level (hypo.) This is dangerous as it makes it hard for you to think clearly and to react quickly. If a hypo is untreated, there is a risk you could become unconscious.

Don’t drive under 5mmol/L is the official advice. Checking your glucose levels before driving will help keep you safe. If you are planning long driving trips, you may need to pull over and check your glucose levels.

You will also need to check if you notice any signs or symptoms of a hypo. Some people may wear a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) that alarms if blood glucose level drops too low.

How do I report a new diabetes diagnosis?

You have several options.

You can fill in a medical condition form online.

Or you can write to the Department of Transport.

Your letter needs to provide the following information:

Full name and address
Date of birth
Contact number(s)
Your WA driver’s licence number
Full details of the medical condition you are reporting, and how that condition is being treated.

You can send it to:

Mandatory Reporting Team
GPO Box R1290
Perth WA 6844

You can also download this form and mail it in.

What happens next?

The Department of Transport will review your information and write to inform you of what you need to do next. This will depend on your individual circumstance.

This may include:

– Having and passing a medical assessment.
– Having and passing a practical driving assessment.
– No further action required.

Once you have taken any required action, you can send the results to the Department of Transport. They will review them and let you know of the outcome.

This may include: 

– Being given a conditional licence, with a notice on it saying, ‘to take medication as prescribed.’

– Having regular Fitness to Drive reviews or being asked to provide a health update when you renew your licence.

If you need to provide a health update, the Department of Transport will send you a reminder to get a Medical Assessment Certificate: Fitness to Drive form to take to your GP. Your health professional will then send it directly to the department.

If your diabetes is well managed and under the regular care of a health professional, you may be able to complete a Fitness to Drive declaration without needing a medical assessment.

However, this doesn’t apply to some drivers, including new WA drivers, learner’s permit applicants, newly diagnosed drivers, people who drive as part of their job (including uber drivers) and drivers aged 80 years and over. Again, talk to your health professional.

If you hold a commercial licence, you need to be initially assessed by an endocrinologist or consultant physician specialising in diabetes.

You can find more information on the Austroads website about driving and diabetes.

Will this affect my car insurance?

All information you give to the Department of Transport is confidential and will not be shared with insurance companies.

However, if you have an accident and have not told your insurance company about your diabetes, it may affect your claim.

For this reason, you need to let your car insurance company know if you have diabetes.

Tips for driving safely with diabetes

– Check your blood glucose levels before driving and, on long journeys, every two hours.
– Know the signs of a hypo (low blood glucose.)
– Keep a hypo kit and snacks with you.
– If you use a CGM, make sure your low blood glucose alarms are on.
– Eat regular meals during long car trips.
– Have regular checkups with your health team and talk to them about any diabetes-related concerns you have around driving.

Do you have a question about driving and diabetes?

If you live in WA and have any questions related to diabetes, either for yourself or someone else, you can call our Helpline on 1300 001 880 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.) You can also email us at info@diabeteswa.com.au

For further information on driving with a medical condition, visit the Department of Transport website. Or call them on 13 11 56. 

Disclaimer: This is general information only. It is subject to change and cannot replace advice from your health professional. You must make sure you are safe and follow driving laws in Australia.

If you are worried about your driving, talk to your health professional.