Skip to main content
Driver Knowledge Hub
Table of Contents
< All Topics

How Do I Monitor My Blood Glucose to Meet DVLA Requirements?

Posted
Updated
Written BySari Khaled

Monitoring your blood glucose correctly is a key requirement for drivers with diabetes who hold, or are applying for, a Group 2 licence (HGV, LGV, PCV, or bus). The DVLA expects monitoring to be regular, reliable, and clearly documented, particularly for drivers using insulin or medications that carry a risk of hypoglycaemia.

Who Needs to Follow These Monitoring Rules?

These requirements apply especially to drivers who:

  • Use insulin.
  • Take tablets that can cause low blood sugar, such as:
    • Sulfonylureas (e.g. gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide).
    • Glinides (e.g. repaglinide or nateglinide).

How Often Do Group 2 Bus and Lorry Drivers Need to Check Their Blood Glucose?

For Group 2 drivers using insulin or medications with a risk of hypoglycaemia, the DVLA requires blood glucose testing to be carried out:

  • At least twice daily, including on days when you are not driving.
  • Before starting the first journey.
  • At least every 2 hours while driving.

Important timing rule:

  • No more than 2 hours should pass between the pre-driving glucose check and the first glucose test after driving has started.

Additional points:

  • More frequent testing may be needed if there is a higher risk of low blood sugar, such as:
    • Increased physical activity.
    • Changes to meal timing or routine.
  • Drivers may use more than one glucose meter, provided each has a memory function.
  • You must be able to provide at least 4 weeks of stored glucose readings for medical assessment when treated with insulin.

Approved Ways to Check Blood Glucose for DVLA Compliance

To satisfy DVLA monitoring requirements, drivers may check their blood glucose levels using one of the following methods:

  • Standard capillary blood glucose testing using a finger-prick meter.
  • A DVLA-compliant continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM).

For drivers who choose to use a continuous monitoring system:

  • The device must be recognised as suitable for driving safety purposes.
  • A finger-prick glucose meter must always be available when driving.
  • Glucose levels should be actively checked, and drivers should not depend only on sensor alerts to assess safety.

Which Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems Are Compatible With DVLA Requirements?

Several CGM systems are commonly used in the UK and may be suitable for meeting DVLA monitoring requirements. These include:

  • FreeStyle Libre.
  • Dexcom CGM systems (e.g. Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7).
  • Medtronic Guardian™ systems.
  • Eversense® implantable CGM.

Important Points to Be Aware Of:

  • The DVLA does not publish a fixed or official list of approved CGM devices.
  • Any CGM used must be accurate, reliable, and suitable for making safe driving decisions.
  • You must be able to store and download glucose readings for medical or DVLA review.
  • You must always carry a finger-prick blood glucose meter and use it when confirmation is required.
  • If you are unsure whether your CGM device is suitable, it is advisable to discuss this with your diabetes specialist, as they may be asked to comment on the device as part of the DVLA assessment process.

Situations Where Finger-Prick Testing Is Still Needed

Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) does not remove the need for finger-prick checks. A capillary blood glucose test should still be performed:

  • If the sensor shows a low or unexpected reading.
  • If how you feel does not match what the sensor is showing.
  • To verify unusual or concerning glucose results, either before starting a journey or while driving.

Takeaway Points

Effective blood glucose monitoring plays a central role in meeting DVLA driving standards for drivers with diabetes. Whether using finger-prick testing or an approved continuous glucose monitoring system, the key requirement is that glucose levels are checked reliably, interpreted correctly, and acted upon appropriately.

Technology can support safer driving, but it does not replace the need for personal awareness, confirmatory testing when required, and responsible decision-making. Maintaining clear glucose records, understanding when additional checks are needed, and responding promptly to unexpected readings help demonstrate that diabetes is being managed safely.

Consistent monitoring not only supports DVLA compliance but also helps protect the driver, passengers, and other road users.