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With independence, varied job opportunities and lucrative salaries, it’s no wonder so many are seeking out HGV training and CPC training to make a serious career shift!
However, it’s well known that HGV drivers must pass an HGV medical to ensure they’re fit to drive professionally, without causing a safety concern to themselves or drivers around them.
For those with a certain medical condition, specifically diabetes, this immediately raises questions. But don’t worry, if you’re a diabetic and are wondering whether HGV driving is still a valid career for you, the experts at HGV Training Network are here to offer all the knowledge you need.
Speak to our HGV experts today, or keep reading to learn more.
Driving an HGV with type 2 diabetes
Yes, you can still drive an HGV if you have type 2 diabetes. So if you’re one of the many people afflicted with this condition and would love to explore HGV driving as a career, hope is not lost!
However, it is important to note that if you choose to drive with type 2 diabetes, there are several precautions you must follow (beyond the usual finger-prick testing) to ensure your condition does not become a problem while you’re behind the wheel. Similar rules exist if driving emergency vehicles is something you’d like to explore.
It is also a legal requirement that you inform the DVLA of your condition because, depending on the severity of your diabetes or how it has affected you in the past, they may choose to only offer you a restricted licence that must be renewed more frequently (1-3 years).
Did You Know: We have over 300 5-star reviews on Google from former students who’ve gone on to become exceptional HGV drivers? Get in touch with our instructors today to find out why we’re so well-liked!
Driving an HGV with type 1 diabetes
Although very different, virtually the same rules apply to type 1 diabetics as type 2 diabetics, if training to become an HGV driver is the end goal.
But, as discussed, there are certain parameters that must be met by all diabetics if they wish to drive these vehicles for a living…
HGV licence and diabetes – what are the rules?
To earn your HGV licence and become an HGV driver as a diabetic, here are some of the specifics you need to be aware of.
You are allowed to drive an HGV as a diabetic as long as:
Disabling hypoglycaemia doesn’t affect you – You’re not permitted to drive such vehicles if you’ve had more than one instance of disabling hypoglycaemia or severe hypos in the previous 12 months, as you may pose a risk to other drivers.
You practice regular blood sugar monitoring – If you take insulin (or similar), you need to perform a blood glucose level check at least two hours before you plan to drive, then every two hours while driving longer shifts. Without stable blood sugar control, diabetics experiencing a bout of very low blood sugar may have their vision and reaction times impaired.
You have a medical and speak to a diabetes consultant at least once a year – Think of this as an extra medical report, just to make sure you’re not expected to develop complications.
You inform the DVLA – As we mentioned previously, you have a legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency of your condition before they issue a vocational driving licence.
If you’re not willing to meet any of the above conditions or regularly test, or if diabetes seriously impacts your quality of life to the point where driving a large vehicle may be unsafe, you will not be granted an HGV licence or be allowed to drive HGVs professionally.
HGV licence and diabetes – what are the rules?
To earn your HGV licence and become an HGV driver as a diabetic, here are some of the specifics you need to be aware of.
You are allowed to drive an HGV as a diabetic as long as:
Disabling hypoglycaemia doesn’t affect you – You’re not permitted to drive such vehicles if you’ve had more than one instance of disabling hypoglycaemia or severe hypos in the previous 12 months, as you may pose a risk to other drivers.
You practice regular blood sugar monitoring – If you take insulin (or similar), you need to perform a blood glucose level check at least two hours before you plan to drive, then every two hours while driving longer shifts. Without stable blood sugar control, diabetics experiencing a bout of very low blood sugar may have their vision and reaction times impaired.
You have a medical and speak to a diabetes consultant at least once a year – Think of this as an extra medical report, just to make sure you’re not expected to develop complications.
You inform the DVLA – As we mentioned previously, you have a legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency of your condition before they issue a vocational driving licence.
If you’re not willing to meet any of the above conditions or regularly test, or if diabetes seriously impacts your quality of life to the point where driving a large vehicle may be unsafe, you will not be granted an HGV licence or be allowed to drive HGVs professionally.
Will you pass the HGV medical with diabetes?
Yes, you’re perfectly capable of passing the HGV medical if you have diabetes, as long as you can manage your condition effectively – and following the above advice is a great place to start.
For more information on what’s involved in the HGV medical – and how it may differ if you’re a diabetic – speak to HGVTN team today.
How often is an HGV medical as a diabetic?
This depends on how your diabetes is treated.
If it’s insulin-treated diabetes, whether you’re a type 1 or type 2 diabetic, you’ll need to have a new HGV medical every year, as well as see a diabetes specialist, as mentioned above.
However, if you’re a type 2 diabetic controlling your condition with tablets or diet alone, you may only need to have a medical every 3 years, though this will be at the DVLAs discretion.
Explore HGV training with HGV Training Network
If you’re confident you can manage your condition with proper diabetes treatment, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a full and exciting career as an HGV driver. Diabetes and driving HGVs can easily co-exist with effective blood sugar readings, insulin treatment or other diabetes medication.Get in touch with HGV Training Network today to begin your journey towards earning your HGV licence.
