Taxi Driver Online

PCO Notice 02/06
Transport for London
Public Carriage Office

Insulin Treated Diabetes: Change in Policy for Private Hire and Taxi Driver Licensees and Applicants

A review of the policy relating to insulin treated diabetes and the grant of private hire and taxi driver licences has been undertaken. This review included a re-assessment of regulatory medical requirements and took account of new advice issued by the Secretary of State for Transport's Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Driving and Diabetes Mellitus as well as the views of the Licensing Authority's Medical Advisor. In the light of the outcome of this review the Licensing Authority has determined that, with effect from the 2 January 2006, the following criteria will now have to be met by all private hire and taxi driver licensees and applicants with insulin treated diabetes.

Applicants

Applicants for a private hire or taxi driver licence will be required to:

a) hold a DVLA C1 category Group 2 licence ( i.e. one issued after 1 January 1998);

OR

b) satisfy the Licensing Authority that he/she meets the medical requirements which would allow a C1 Group 2 licence to be issued.

In regard to option b), the applicant will need to provide a medical report from a hospital consultant specialising in diabetes confirming:

- the applicant has been undergoing insulin treatment for over four (4) weeks;

- during the twelve (12) months prior to the date of the licence application, the applicant has not suffered a hypoglycaemic episode requiring the assistance of another whilst driving; and,

- the applicant has a history of responsible diabetic control and is at minimal risk of a hypoglycaemic attack resulting in incapacity.

The applicant will also be required to submit a signed declaration that:

- he/she will comply with the directions for treatment given to him/her by the doctor supervising that treatment;

- immediately report to the Licensing Authority, in writing, any change in diabetic condition; and,

- provide to the Licensing Authority, as and when necessary, evidence that blood glucose monitoring is being undertaken at least twice daily and at times relevant to driving a taxi or private hire vehicle during employment.

Licensees

Annually the licensee will be required to:

a) submit to the Licensing Authority, for examination, their valid DVLA C1 category Group 2 licence;

OR

b) provide a medical report from a hospital consultant specialising in diabetes confirming:

- that during the preceding 12 months the licensee has not suffered a hypoglycaemic episode requiring the assistance of another whilst driving; and,

- the licensee has a history of responsible diabetic control and is at minimal risk of a hypoglycaemic attack resulting in incapacity.

Licensees are reminded that the requirements of the declaration signed on the issue of licence remain an obligation.

All current applications involving individuals with insulin treated diabetes will be dealt with under these new requirements.

Applicants for licences previously refused on the basis of insulin treated diabetes can make a fresh application if they believe they can meet the new requirements, as can licensees who have had their licences revoked for that reason.

4 January 2006
Roy Ellis
Head of the Public Carriage Office

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IDFIMH

And about time too.

Ollie

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Happy to be legit.

Just think Ollie, that could be an entry condition to eliminate 86% of your potential competition who wish to become Minicab drivers.

Spell ' Diabetes '.