Being diagnosed with diabetes does not automatically mean that you have to give up driving an HGV. However, because HGV driving falls under the higher medical standards for Group 2 licences, there are specific requirements that drivers with diabetes need to meet.
The main concern is not simply whether your blood glucose is high or low. Instead, the medical assessment focuses particularly on the risk of hypoglycaemia, or low blood glucose, and whether diabetes or its complications could affect your ability to drive safely.
Understanding the requirements before attending your HGV medical can help you prepare and ensure you have the relevant information available.
Can You Drive an HGV If You Have Diabetes?
Yes. Depending on how your diabetes is managed and whether you meet the relevant medical requirements, you may be able to hold a Group 2 bus and lorry licence.
The rules differ depending on whether your diabetes is controlled through diet and lifestyle, non-insulin medication or insulin. Drivers taking certain medications that can cause hypoglycaemia, such as sulfonylureas or glinides, are subject to specific requirements.
For Group 2 drivers, the DVLA requires notification in a number of circumstances. Drivers taking insulin must notify the DVLA and meet additional licensing criteria. These include having full awareness of hypoglycaemia, having had no severe hypoglycaemic episode during the previous 12 months and following the required glucose-monitoring arrangements. (GOV.UK)
A severe hypoglycaemic episode means an episode where the person requires assistance from another individual.
Importantly, the rules for insulin-treated Group 2 drivers have been updated. Since November 2025, eligible Group 2 drivers can use approved continuous glucose monitoring systems for glucose monitoring while driving, although the DVLA still specifies requirements around monitoring and having appropriate backup arrangements. (GOV.UK)
What Happens During an HGV Medical?
An HGV medical is designed to assess whether you meet the medical standards required for Group 2 driving. Diabetes is only one part of the assessment.
If you have diabetes, the doctor may need information about your diagnosis, treatment, glucose control, medication and any complications. Your eyesight is particularly important because certain diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy affecting visual acuity or visual fields, can affect Group 2 licensing. (GOV.UK)
You may also need to demonstrate that you understand the risks associated with hypoglycaemia and can recognise its warning symptoms.
If you are taking insulin, the DVLA has specific requirements for Group 2 licensing. These include regular glucose monitoring, with testing required at least twice a day and at times relevant to driving, including at the start of the first journey and at least every two hours during a journey. (GOV.UK)
For insulin-treated Group 2 drivers, the DVLA also requires an annual examination by an independent consultant specialising in diabetes, together with appropriate glucose-monitoring records. (GOV.UK Assets)
How Can You Prepare for Your HGV Medical?
If you have diabetes, it is useful to prepare relevant information before attending your medical.
Make sure you know the names and doses of your diabetes medication and be prepared to explain how you monitor your glucose levels. If you use a glucose meter or approved continuous glucose monitor, ensure that you are following the monitoring requirements applicable to your licence.
You should also be aware of your history of hypoglycaemia. In particular, Group 2 drivers must report severe hypoglycaemic episodes and must meet the DVLA’s requirements regarding the absence of severe episodes and awareness of hypoglycaemia. (GOV.UK)
Having diabetes therefore does not necessarily prevent you from driving an HGV. The key issue is whether your condition is appropriately managed and whether you meet the medical standards applicable to Group 2 drivers.
At SimplyMedicals, we provide professional medical assessments for drivers who need a medical as part of their licensing requirements. If you have diabetes, make sure you understand the specific DVLA requirements that apply to your treatment before your appointment.
Ultimately, It all starts with your HGV medical Examinations.
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