Endocrine and metabolic conditions and fitness to drive
Information and questions and answers from the April 2013 MARVAD standards. This is historical information; requirements may have changed. It does not replace individual medical or legal advice or determine personal fitness to drive.
Conditions in this field
Questions and answers
How can diabetes affect driving?
The chapter discusses blood-glucose disturbances and complications affecting the eyes, nerves, heart and kidneys. These may require consulting other chapters too.
Are type 1 and type 2 diabetes distinguished?
Yes. The tables distinguish disease types, treatment and clinical findings. Licence type is also part of the assessment.
Why does insulin treatment matter?
The tables distinguish treatment regimens and conditions. Insulin treatment alone does not determine fitness without the other relevant findings.
Is HbA1c included in the standards?
Yes. The tables include HbA1c alongside clinical findings and specialist opinions. Read the appropriate entry rather than applying one threshold to all patients.
Are severe and mild hypoglycaemia assessed separately?
Yes. The table distinguishes an event requiring another person’s assistance from a mild event with warning signs and ability to self-treat. Conditions also depend on diabetes type and treatment.
What is impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia?
The chapter discusses inadequate recognition of low-glucose warning signs. This matters when assessing the risk of impairment while driving.
When is hyperthyroidism relevant?
The table addresses cardiac, neurological or muscular symptoms that impair judgement or motor abilities, until the disorder is effectively controlled.
Is hypothyroidism included?
Yes. It has a separate entry. Assess symptoms and function under that entry rather than the hyperthyroidism conditions.
Which pituitary conditions are mentioned?
The chapter includes diabetes insipidus, anterior pituitary hormone deficiency and acromegaly. The tables address each separately.
Which adrenal conditions are included?
The document includes Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease and phaeochromocytoma. Read the conditions for the specific disease and the table’s continuation on the next page.
View original source
Original source scan in Hebrew. The translated explanatory text is provided on this page. The historical 2013 standards may have changed and do not determine your individual fitness to drive.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes and insulin treatment
Hypoglycaemia
Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Parathyroid disease
Hypocalcaemia
Diabetes insipidus
Pituitary hormone deficiency
Acromegaly
Cushing’s disease
Addison’s disease
Phaeochromocytoma
Concerned about your driving licence?
Leave your details to prepare a WhatsApp enquiry to the firm.