Driving Licence renewal 2 months before 70
My driving licence expires 2 months before I reach 70. Any views of being able to renew it and then be able to continue driving 3,500KG plus units until it expires in 3 years or will I have to again renew 2 months later when I reach 70 with the required medical
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You will need the medical come 70 if the vehicle not the "unit" is over 3500 kgs; end of story other than in your case it has added complications till you reach 70.
To tow a combination over 3500 kgs [unit] you will not need the medical as long as tow vehicle itself is sub 3500 kgs.
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Do not know about dates, mine expired when I was 70, but the 3500kg only applies ( if you are a tugger) to the weight of the towcar.
The caravan is absolutely not included. I have renewed twice so know this.
You only need the medical if you want to retain the right to drive a MH over 3500kg.
Renewals are free.
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Just a warning if you have a medical issue to declare - it took them 10 months with several reminders to produce mine at 70 cleared by all medics to drive - but thankfully I had not destroyed the old paper one as directed! However it did mean I thought I was unable to hire a car shortly after my birthday when in France - so had to put my brother and SIL to the trouble of collecting me off the boat. Apparently "in the post" would have worked with the hire company and the old license but I didn't know that till later - and would it have been worth the risk in the unfortunate event of a mishap? "In the post" worked when I wanted to drive a potential new car though.
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On the medical point. Margaret has type 2 diabetes and now uses insulin which must be reported to the DVLA. They immediately reduced her entitlement. I understand they are now being a bit more sympathetic to people with diabetes so if affected best to discuss it with them.
David
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My wife also has had type 2 diabetes for about three years. She attended a number of sessions provided by the NHS and included in this was driving advice. Basically they said that it was agreed with Swansea and the Association of British Insurers that provided your problem was controlled by tablets you did not need to declare it. I have not checked this with either though since then.
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Wildwood
That is correct, if it is controlled by tablets or diet there is generally no need to inform the DVLA unless specifically advised by your GP/Specialist Nurse. I think the essential difference between tablets and using insulin is that insulin users have a raised risk of a hypo, at least that is my understanding. Since starting to use insulin,(slow release at night) in addition to the tablets she took before, she now has to carry glucose sweets with her just in case she gets a sudden blood sugar drop.
David
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ABM
According to this DVLA leaflet there is no need to inform them providing there are no particular complications if your diabetes is being controlled by tablets or diet. I appreciate that seems a bit open ended and there are a few caveats so individuals still have to make sure they ask questions of the GP/Specialist nurse who will advise if those complications need reporting. I will edit my post to add generally into what I said for clarity.
David
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I have diabetes type 2 controlled by tablets and that did not affect the licence renewal for over 3500Kg, had mine renewed three time now. However, there is one tablet which differs and you will be required to do a blood test before you drive. I had a leaflet with my last licence which explains this. Metformin is OK.
Dont be too keen to renew early as too far in advance means the licence will start earlier than the expiry date.
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I have type 1 diabetes, have had since I was 11, always informed DVLA and always been given a 3 year licence. Last year I decided to ask for C1+E category back as our motorhome is over 3500kg. Four months £100, two GP medicals, one eye test, one field of vision test later I have got to have another medical by a diabetic doctor! This is very frustrating I have driven for 33 years with no accidents for any reason let alone a medical one. I did ask will I have to do this all again in 3 years but I have been told no once I have the licence I can renew every 3 years without having a medical until I reach 70. With my luck they will change the rules way before then!
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Don't quite understand what you mean, yes there was no medical, but the licence is still 3 years.
I had a stroke 20 month's ago and getting back on the road mean't I had to jump through some hoops and in the end my GP said 'I have passed you fit, so drive and if you are stopped, you are covered'. Can be very frustrating for people involved.
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Even when being treated by tablets (including metaformin) the effects of low blood sugar can be experienced. When I was previously being treated for diabetes I experienced a similar event. For some reason I had been busy sorting paperwork I think and missed my usual breakfast toast or cereal. As I had an 11.45am dental appointment for a check up I thought I would have lunch on my return home. There was a delay and my checkup was completed around 12.30. The dentist found a small filling required and would have done it there and then but asked if I was feeling OK. I wasn't and so instead of the filling I was guided downstairs lest I fall and given a glucose drink. 20 mins later I was fit to drive.
I am generally an early riser and so had been up since 6am. Something to be aware of.
Since I stopped taking statins I no longer require treatment for diabetes but, when I did and we were moving site I always kept some biscuits and some glucose tablets in the front of the car just in case.
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