T1D Driving CGM Hypo: Understanding the Rules -

Guest: Professor Pratik Choudhary (Leicester Diabetes Centre; Chair, DVLA Medical Advisory Panel)

Host: John Pemberton, RD (The Glucose Never Lies®)

This episode formed the basis for a full Driving &T1D FAQ, which we now keep continually updated as new evidence and regulations emerge.

Subscribe to The Glucose Never Lies® to ensure you’ll also get an episode summary FAQ for every future weekly episode the moment it’s released.

This summary FAQ can be downloaded. It was published on September 10, 2025.

Ep-16-Driving

Episode Overview

Driving with type 1 diabetes is not just about safety. It comes with clear legal responsibilities.

In this episode of The Glucose Never Lies Podcast, John Pemberton speaks with Professor Pratik Choudhary, Chair of the DVLA Medical Advisory Panel on Diabetes, to break down the rules, risks and realities of driving with diabetes.

We cover:

The legal differences between Group 1 (cars, motorcycles ≤3.5 t, ≤8 passengers) and Group 2 (HGV, minibuses, passenger vehicles >3.5 t or >8 passengers) licenses.

Why the law requires you to be ≥5 mmol/L before driving — “5 to drive.”
The 45-minute rule: after treating a hypo, you must wait 45 minutes once you are back above 5 mmol/L.

When CGM readings are accepted (Group 1) versus when finger-prick testing is mandatory (Group 2, currently).

The importance of self-declaring severe hypoglycaemia: two daytime events in 12 months means you must report it.
Practical tips: keeping your meter’s date/time accurate, carrying a backup meter, and setting CGM low alerts at 5 for long journeys.

Key Takeaways

5 to drive: ≥5.0 mmol/L
4.0–4.9 mmol/L: snack, then drive
<4.0 mmol/L: treat → confirm >5.0 mmol/L → wait 45 minutes once above 5 mmol/L
Check every ≤2 hours — each check “expires” like a parking ticket
Group 1 drivers: CGM or finger-prick both accepted
Group 2 drivers: finger-prick only (until law changes)
Severe hypos: two daytime events in 12 months → you must self-declare
Responsibility lies with the driver, not your clinician

Group 1 Rules Summary

Group 2 Rules Summary

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Disclaimer

This article is a summary of Episode 16 of The Glucose Never Lies Podcast (recorded 4 September 2025).

It does not replace official DVLA guidance (INF294). Rules may change. Always check the latest DVLA information before making decisions about driving.

Episode 16 — Diabetes & Driving: Why You Need to Be 5 to Drive