Diabetes
Find out how diabetes can affect your driving and what you can do to improve your safety.
Diabetes can affect your driving in a number of ways. It’s possible to have diabetes without realising, so it’s important to get regular check-ups with your doctor if you’re at risk. You can find out more about diabetes on the Better Health Channel (External link).
If you have (or develop) diabetes, you must notify VicRoads. Drivers are legally required to report to VicRoads any medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive.
If you’re applying for licence or learner permit, you’ll need to provide us with a medical report before your licence/permit can be issued.
How diabetes can affect your driving
Some side-effects of diabetes may affect your ability to drive safely, including:
- hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)
- severe hypoglycaemic events
- changes to your vision
- nerve damage
- heart problems
- effects from medication.
To find out more about how diabetes can affect your driving, visit Diabetes Australia (External link) and Diabetes Victoria (External link).
How to stay safe on the road
To stay safe on the road, it’s important to:
What do I need to do?
As well as getting regular check-ups, you’ll also need to:
- notify VicRoads if you have (or develop) diabetes
- provide us with an initial medical report
- provide us with additional medical reports if required (we might need a report from your endocrinologist or eye specialist)
- get your condition reviewed regularly (we’ll send you a letter with everything you need to know).
Remember, drivers are required under law to report to VicRoads any medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive.
Fitness to drive
If you have (or develop) a medical condition that could affect your driving safety, you must notify VicRoads. There could be serious consequences in not reporting a medical condition - Fitness to drive FAQs if you don’t.
Find out what happens after you notify VicRoads.