People with diabetes must have an adapted driving licence as soon as the disease is diagnosed. This also applies to diabetes patients who are treated only through an adapted lifestyle or with tablets. An adapted driving licence only results in a limitation in validity period and does not mention "diabetes". Some clarification.
Only an adapted driving licence is a valid driving licence. People with diabetes always need a medical certificate of fitness to drive from a doctor:
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For a private driving licence (group 1) AM, A1, A2, A, B, B+E and G - Patients from diagnosis up to and including 2 insulin injections per day: the certificate is completed by the general practitioner. - For more than 2 insulin injections per day, for treatment with an insulin pump or for an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia: the certificate is completed by an endocrinologist. Premed does not issue a certificate for obtaining a private driving licence.
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For a professional driving licence (group 2) C and D, but also taxi, ambulance, etc., the certificate is always completed by the occupational physician based on advice from the general practitioner or endocrinologist and possibly an ophthalmologist. Usually, the occupational physician will be able to perform the eye tests themselves. The patient provides the completed certificate and their old driving licence to the Civil Affairs department at the town hall and provides a copy of the certificate to their insurance company. Only upon receipt of the new adapted driving licence does the person with diabetes have a valid driving licence. Applying for an adapted driving licence at the town hall requires a one-time cost of between 20 and 30 (usually 25) euros. A new passport photo is not necessary. The same photo as on the identity card can be used for this. Info: Diabetes Infoline 0800–96 333 (free).
