July 09 2025
The working day could soon become smoother for bus and coach drivers with diabetes. The CPT has successfully influenced adoption of easier methods to monitor glucose levels.
About one in 12 of the UK population lives with diabetes – and the country’s 100,000 bus and coach drivers are no exception.
To date, drivers of public service vehicles with diabetes have been required to use finger prick tests at regular intervals every day, drawing blood to demonstrate that their sugar levels are under control.
The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency has accepted recommendations from the CPT and others in the industry that using less invasive technology would not only make drivers’ lives easier but will be a positive step towards better road safety.
Under the new proposals, drivers can use Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS) to monitor their levels – electronic devices which operate via a sensor and which can sound an alarm if blood sugars reach certain levels.
After a consultation, DVLA has confirmed that it will progress the law changes necessary to use CGMS as an alternative to routine finger-prick testing.
Drivers will still need to follow a specific testing schedule – checking levels within two hours before driving and every two hours during a journey. Comprehensive guidance will be developed, drawing in expertise from medical professionals.
Gavin Miller, Operations Manager at the CPT, said: “All the evidence suggests that this technology can lead to a reduction in blood sugars overall, and that it gives greater, easier control.
“We’re pleased to hear that the law will be changed to make life a little bit easier for diabetic bus and coach drivers – and to improve road safety. It’s a win win for all concerned.”