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156 
I LETTER OF THE WEEK
Page 22
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Diabetes research shows the DVLA is on the right road over licensing
IN RESPONSE TO the article 'MLA diabetic driver ban under fire after research findings are published' (CM 6 November), the DVLA has welcomed the evidence that those drivers with insulintreated diabetes who meet the standards required for licensing in the UK show an accident risk no greater than that of others in their age groups.
This is reassuring since it suggests the medical licensing standards are well-balanced and enable those with wellmanaged diabetes to continue driving. Those whose diabetes does carry an increased risk to road safety are quite rightly refused a licence.
The medical standards required for vocational (bus and lorry) drivers are much more stringent than for ordinary drivers.
TYpically, vocational drivers spend a far greater portion of their working day behind the wheel, and their vehicles may carry heavy or dangerous loads, or passengers.
Accidents involving these vehicles are more likely to result in death or serious injury than those that involve cars, for example.
The higher medical standards are designed to reduce any significantly increased risk of accident caused by collapse at the wheel or other medical impairment.
The DVLA does individually assess applicants and grants CI licences (small lorries up to 7.5 tonnes) to those drivers with well managed, insulin-treated diabetes who have shown that the control of their condition doesn't pose an excess risk to road safety. The orgnaisation has been granting such licences since 2001.
Licensing standards are regularly reviewed in the light of all available evidence and other expert guidance. The findings of this research mentioned in the article were discussed at the Secretary of State for Transport's Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Driving and Diabetes Mellitus, and the strength of evidence was considered.
UK legislation must also comply with European Commission legislation. The DVLA will continue to review its licensing policy on the basis of any EC changes or on the evidence of sound research.
David Whitbread DVLA