Spring 2012 Newsletter - Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Insulin controlled diabetesRules relating to insulin dependentdiabetics being able to complywith the DVLA Group 2 licencerequirements have recently changed.From 15 November 2011, insulindependent diabetics can now meetthis medical standard which arethe requirements adopted by thiscouncil. This means that diabeticson insulin can now apply for a taxilicence but must satisfy the followingcriteria:• No episode of hypoglycaemiarequiring the assistance of anotherperson has occurred in thepreceding 12 months.• Has full awareness ofhypoglycaemia.• Regularly monitors blood glucoseat least twice daily and at timesrelevant to driving using a glucosemeter with a memory function tomeasure and record blood glucoselevels.• Have an annual examinationby an independent ConsultantDiabetologist, 3 months of bloodglucose readings must be available.Our suggested actions for insulindependent diabetics consideringapplying for a licence are:• The individual obtains a suitablemeter for recording and storingblood glucose measurements. It islikely that the taxi driver will need tobuy the machine.• The individual records bloodglucose levels twice daily for 3months.• At the end of the 3 months they areseen by an independent specialistin diabetes.• The specialist report and bloodresults are submitted to thelicensing authority for assessmentand issue of a certificate from themedical adviser.•The taxi driver goes through thisprocess annually.• Must demonstrate anunderstanding of the risks ofhypoglycaemia.• There are no other debarringcomplications of diabetes such asa visual field defect.Taxi and Private Hire News 9