When Do You Need to Notify the DVLA?
The requirement to notify the DVLA depends on how your diabetes is managed:
| Treatment | Notify DVLA? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diet only | No | No hypoglycaemia risk from diet alone |
| Metformin alone | No | Metformin does not cause hypoglycaemia |
| Sulphonylureas or glinides | Yes | Carry hypoglycaemia risk |
| Insulin | Yes | Licence may be issued for 1–3 years with annual review |
| GLP-1 agonists alone | No (usually) | Speak to your GP if in doubt |
Important: Failure to notify the DVLA when required is a legal offence and may invalidate your insurance. If you are unsure whether your diabetes treatment requires notification, speak to your GP.
Group 1 vs Group 2 Licences: Different Rules Apply
DVLA diabetes requirements are substantially stricter for Group 2 (HGV/bus/coach) drivers than for Group 1 (car/motorcycle) drivers:
Group 1 (car drivers)
- Must notify DVLA if on insulin, sulphonylureas, or glinides
- Must check glucose ≥5.0 mmol/L before driving
- Must check every 2 hours on long journeys
- Must carry rapid glucose
- Licence typically issued for 1–3 years with review
Group 2 (HGV/bus — insulin)
- Annual D4 medical required
- HbA1c must be <58 mmol/mol (7.5%) within 3 months
- No severe hypo episodes in past 12 months
- No hypoglycaemic unawareness
- Must use CGM or self-monitor consistently
- Annual renewal of licence
Annual DVLA Diabetic Medical for Group 2 Drivers
Insulin-treated Group 2 drivers require an annual medical review — the DVLA D4 form — completed by a GP. This includes:
- Review of hypoglycaemic episodes in the previous 12 months (any severe episodes — requiring third-party assistance — would typically lead to revocation)
- Recent HbA1c (within 3 months of examination)
- Evidence of retinopathy screening
- Blood pressure
- Visual acuity and fields assessment
- Confirmation of consistent glucose monitoring
Your GP may also need to complete a supplementary questionnaire from the DVLA alongside the D4 form. Bring all relevant correspondence and recent blood test results to your appointment.
Book Your DVLA Diabetes Medical
Lambert Medical Practice can complete annual DVLA D4 medical examinations for insulin-treated Group 2 drivers. Book a same-week appointment at our Surbiton practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you manage with diet alone or metformin only, notification is not required. If you take insulin, sulphonylureas, or glinides, you must notify the DVLA. Failure to notify when required is a legal offence. If in doubt, speak to your GP.
Yes, in most cases — you must notify the DVLA, check glucose ≥5.0 mmol/L before driving and every 2 hours on long journeys, carry rapid glucose, and not drive if you feel hypoglycaemic. Your Group 1 licence may be issued for 1–3 years with annual review. Group 2 requirements are stricter.
Insulin-treated Group 2 drivers must have an HbA1c below 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) measured within 3 months of the DVLA medical assessment. They must also have no severe hypoglycaemic episodes in the past 12 months and no hypoglycaemic unawareness.
Insulin-treated Group 2 drivers require an annual D4 medical. This covers hypoglycaemic history, HbA1c, retinopathy screening, blood pressure, vision, and glucose monitoring practice. Lambert Medical can complete this examination with same-week appointments.