Epilepsy
If you want to drive lorries or buses you must not have a liability to epileptic seizures i.e. you should not have suffered a fit of any kind, or required treatment for fits in the last 10 years.
Link to the epilepsy regulations
Diabetes (Existing drivers)
Insulin treated diabetics may not drive large vehicles UNLESS:
they held a licence to drive lorries or buses on 1 April 1991 and the Department who issued the licence had knowledge of the insulin treatment before 1 January 1991.
Insulin Dependant Diabetics who wish to drive vehicles in categories C1/C1+E may qualify for entitlement subject to certain conditions.
Treatment with Exenatide (Byetta) or Gliptins
Exenatide has been licensed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, in combination with metformin and or sulphonylureas. Trials published to date show a small but significant risk of hypoglycaemia when exenatide is used in conjuntion with a sulphonylurea. It would also appear that when the gliptins (DPP4 inhibitors) are used with sulphonylureas, the hypoglycaemia risk is similarly raised.
The increase risk of hypoglycaemia from exenatide or gliptins when used in combination with sulphonylureas is such that these are felt to be a potentially high risk treatment for drivers holding Group 2 (LGV or PCV) licences and that individual assessment with be required.
Group 2 drivers are required to notify DVA if they have diabetes treated with tablets. If they are then started on exenatide or gliptin they are only required to notify DVA if this is in combination with a Sulphonylurea.
The use of exanatide or gliptins currently carries no specific driving restrictions for Group 1 (car or motorycle) licences.
For further information please contact:
DVA
Vocational Section
Driver licensing
County Hall
Castlerock Road
Coleraine
BT51 3TB
or
Phone: 0845 402 4000 (Monday to Friday 09.00-17.00)
