DVLA modernises diabetes rules for bus and lorry drivers

From today (7 November 2025), bus, coach and lorry drivers with diabetes will be able to monitor their glucose (sugar) levels using modern technology, such as Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS), which use sensors to track glucose levels in real time.

What’s changing

Until now, professional drivers with diabetes had to rely on finger-prick tests to monitor their glucose levels before and during driving. The new rule means they can now use technology like CGMS, which provides real-time glucose readings.

This brings Group 2 drivers (bus and lorry) in line with car and motorcycle drivers (Group 1), who have been allowed to use CGMS since 2018.

What Group 2 drivers need to know

Group 2 drivers:

• can now use CGMS for easier, real-time glucose monitoring
• must still pull over safely if they need to confirm their readings
• should be aware that the change takes effect from 7 November

Tim Moss CBE, DVLA Chief Executive, said:

This change is about making life easier for drivers with diabetes, while keeping our roads safe. By embracing modern technology, we’re helping thousands of professional drivers manage their condition more effectively and with greater confidence.

The change has also been welcomed by health experts and industry leaders.

Nikki Joule, Policy Manager at Diabetes UK, said:

This welcome change will make a huge difference to the lives and livelihoods of professional drivers who manage their diabetes using insulin.

Diabetes technology such as continuous glucose monitors can be transformative for people with diabetes, improving how the condition is managed and helping people live full lives. We have long been calling for these measures to be expanded since they were first introduced for car and motorcycle licence holders. Today’s announcement will support many bus and lorry drivers to safely manage their condition while working.

Aaron Peters, RHA Head of Technical, Engineering and Policy, said:

This is a welcome change for professional drivers living with diabetes which will help them monitor and manage their condition more easily and confidently.

Diabetes awareness and monitoring have improved over the last few years so it’s right that measures to help people who are affected reflect this.

What it means for drivers

The changes aim to provide drivers with:

• more flexibility in managing diabetes
• increased safety through real-time monitoring

This is a positive step forward for professional drivers living with diabetes — helping them stay safe, healthy, and confident behind the wheel.

This update is supported by medical experts, road safety organisations, diabetes charities, and the road haulage industry. 89% of people who responded to DVLA’s targeted consultation backed the change.

Read the guidance on the new rules at: www.gov.uk/diabetes-driving