Background:  National diabetes and driving educational material was developed through the NDSS1 to inform drivers of associated conditions that may affect their driving. The diabetes section of the National publication “Assessing Fitness to Drive” 2 was updated in 2012 and both are readily available.  In Victoria, it is a legal requirement for all people with diabetes to notify Vic Roads irrespective of treatment 3.
Aim: To identify if drivers with diabetes know the recommended BGL pre driving and whether they have notified Vic Roads of their diabetes.
Method:  A pilot quality survey was conducted using a questionnaire which was developed by the diabetes educators.  This questionnaire was offered to all drivers with diabetes at the public hospital diabetes outpatient clinics. 
Results: During 9 diabetes related clinics in May 2012, patients returned a total of 54 written surveys, each comprising 12 questions, of these 45 were complete. We report on all 31 (100%) respondents treated with insulin ± OHA’s. The table shows responses to 10 of the survey questions.

Conclusion: The results of this survey provided new information to staff, with 94% patients identifying a BGL ≥ 5mmol/l pre driving, 74% notifying Vic Roads of their diabetes but only 55% check their BGL pre driving. This small pilot quality activity has significantly raised the importance of driver education for people with diabetes of all ages who hold, or who are working towards a drivers licence.

(1) Australian Government 2011: Diabetes and Driving: National Diabetes Services Scheme.
(2) Austroads Ltd Sydney 2012: Assessing Fitness to Drive.
(3) State Government of Victoria 2011: Vic Roads Diabetes and Driving.