I am wondering how most insulin-dependent folks here answer the question on driver's license forms about whether you have any disease or condition that affects your ability to drive safely. I usually say "no" because in my 44 years of D and driving, no driving problems that way... But I feel kind of guilty about it?
At least in Canada, you are obliged to disclose that you have diabetes when you go for your driver's license renewal and car insurance. You won't be charged higher rates or kept from driving. But especially with insurance, if you were in an accident and weren't completely forthcoming about your diabetes, it could cause problems for you.
I used to need a note from my doctor when I renewed my license, but no more. As far as I can remember (I have had the same auto insurance for 36 years) I was not asked about diabetes or other health problems...except seizures, which I have never had.
The way that question is phrased, I think you are OK--no problems in 44 years, it does not affect your ability to drive.
I understand you completely. I also say no. (Im 41) have never had an accident (knock on wood) and just feel that if I disclose this private information, that they have some reason should something happen to make it easier to take away my license.
Some people I know will say that Im being irresponsible and maybe I am..but I have had D for 36 years complication free (keep knocking on that wood) and I just feel its really my business.
I must admit that I do feel a slight twinge of guilt when they ask and I say "no"...and I do wonder if there would be any repercussions should this be discovered...
Non-Commercial Driver's Licenses
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The Texas driver's license application specifically asks if you have insulin-dependent diabetes. While diabetes that doesn't require the use of insulin will not bar someone from receiving a driver's license, insulin-dependent (usually known as Type 1) diabetics require special permission. Your doctor must fill out an evaluation form, based on an office visit from the previous 12 months, confirming that you have not had an episode of hyoglycemia or hyperglycemia that significantly impaired your functioning or caused loss of consciousness. If you have had such an incidence in the previous year, or if your blood glucose is not well-controlled, you may be denied a license.
Insulin-dependent diabetics are reviewed for eligibility on an annual basis. Newly-diagnosed diabetics, or those who have recently switched doctors, will be re-evaluated for eligibility in six months.
I always say no to those questions. My driving record is perfect. IF you say yes to that you will invite a lot of trouble for yourself. In California you need to get a note from your doctor every year to keep your license current, Also no insurance carrier will take you, You then Have to apply for assigned risk insurance which has low coverage and the rates are sky high, I looked into it maybe 10 years ago. The premiums were 4x the regular rate.
People with pacemakers are not required to have doctors notes. Read the declaration in your state or province. It singles out diabetics and Epileptics only.
It is an odd thing because I don't think I ever remember hearing about an accident caused by a diabetic driver. I am sure it happens, but I have not heard about it.
They should charge higher rates for people who have cell phones and dark tinted windows and people who have anger issues before they broadly ban Diabetics.
In the US insurance is only offered to people who don't need it. Medical insurance is the same way. I can't even get medical insurance. I have to go through a state run program and it is more expensive than standard.
In Massachussetts the question is whether you have a condition or take any medication that can cause a change in consciousness. Insulin fits the criteria and I said yes. I needed a letter from my endo but that was it. I agree with Chris that not being truthful enough for the insurance company (and the state)is opening yourself up for more risk than you should want.
Maurie
In Michigan I don't recall every being asked that question by the state licensing people or my insurance and would never even consider bringing it up. If it is asked somewhere then I have never answered yes and would never even consider answering in the affirmative. So it's no until it happens, if it ever happens.
On the topic of driver's licenses for diabetics: Does it make sense to donate your organs or are they too sugar damaged?
Thanks to those who have answered so far. I see there are a range of opinions on the topic. I hadn't thought in depth about the possibility of insurance repercussions... When I was young I resented the "note from your doctor every three months" requirement in the state where I grew up (Minnesota), so I fudged, teenager-style. In the state where I now live (Idaho) you can drive if you have one functioning eye (?!).
I should probably answer "yes" here. Now that I have insurance it wouldn't be such a big deal to have my doctor sign a form.
-Thanks for the ADA link, Shawnmarie.
Ha! I wondered that too. Finally decided maybe there was still some organ left in me that might be of use, so I said yes to being a donor. I figure the doc's will sort it out. And I certainly won't miss anything.
Oh, JohnG, I mean, OMG! And I thought Virginia is antiquated,
It is listed on the renewal forms for MN, but was never a problem. When I went on Insulin, I had to disclose to the State with a form from my Endo. Same thing- no problems.
I'd like to donate my pancreas to a politician who opposes health care for everyone.
I live in Massachusetts and don't even recall the question about consiousness altering medications on the DMV form but I probably would have answered no and like you in my 37 years of D at least 34 of which I have driven I have never had an accident as a result of diabetes (knocking wood as well), just crappy drivers running red lights. I am currently involved in a Diabetes and Driving study at the University of Virginia but I was put in the "placebo" group that really just has to fill out surveys. The other 2 groups in the study actually get some drivers education and stuff to see if diabetic accident rates can be lowered. I didn't even know it was such an issue but obviously someone is funding the study.
Really? ha ha!! You are my new hero!!
Food for thought:
If you lie on a DL application and you are later sued for being at fault or contributing to harm that comes to somebody else, your insurance may decide NOT to cover you. Read the fine print of your insurance policy. Is the financial health of you and your family worth a little white lie?
Also read the fine print of your DL application. Many states have a statement saying something to the effect that your signature signifies that your statements are true to the best of your knowledge. Often there is a civil and or criminal penalty that can befall you if you get caught in a lie.
Fibbing on a driver's license application may never be caught. But who really wants to bet it won't against going to jail or bankruptcy. It might be a hassle, but there is a reason that the old saying "honesty is the best policy" is an old saying.
I love that one. I second that. Perhaps politicians should be made to donate their good pancreas' to PWD waiting....
I would never suggest that anyone lie when answering questions. But in my view, if the question simply asks whether you have a "condition which affects your ability to drive safely" then the judgement is left up to the respondant. If the respondant make a "judgement mistake" that is not grounds to say they "lied."
If the state wants to know whether I take insulin as a diabetic, they need to specifically ask that. My strategy is to never volunteer that information, it is my personal health information. And further, I only answer with the minimum information required, it only invites problems to write an essay response.
I won't lie on an application, I will try to use good judgement when answering questions, but I'm not going out of way to provide extra information or postulate on every little bad thing that could happen. They could ask stupid questions, like will you ever drive aggressively. How would you answer that?
I agree with that completely very well said. If they pose subjective questions then they will get a thoughtful, yet subjective answer. I take lipitor, zestril, and zinc. I have not carefully read the side effects, but I am sure somewhere in the fine print it says "may impair your ability to drive", because some little old lady had an accident while on the medication. So we all may take medications which impair or effect our ability to drive it's all in the fine print.