The choice to travel across the country to get better and more affordable healthcare was deliberate; if you think that it’s all the same from state to state, you need to get out more. I tried explaining this to the DMV when they told me that I needed to visit my doctor before I could get a valid license again. The fact that I couldn’t fly (or drive!) back across the country to accomplish this was, not surprisingly, lost on them.
I know that living with diabetes is a challenge and that there are risks involved, to myself as well as others. I don’t expect a free pass if I get in an accident or wreck my car. That’s why I take my responsibility to manage my blood sugar very seriously when I get behind the wheel of a car. Or when I tie into a rope when I’m climbing a mountain. Or when I pick up my daughter. The presumption of irresponsibility based on an arcane perception of diabetes undermines our ability to be honest about our condition. I’m looking for a chance to move my license to a new state and this time I will definitely think twice about checking the “diabetes” box on the application form. I can’t afford to be grounded and without medication.
I know that I’ll let this go eventually-I’m not even bitter about it. I promise. I just finally put my finger on what exactly makes the whole thing so frustrating. It’s bigger than an inconvenience it’s a prejudice based on stereotypes about diabetes and driving. I’ll be honest and admit that’s not something I’ve dealt with a frequently in my life and it really opened my eyes to what many people deal with in society today. It’s a lot easier to dismiss these situations until you find yourself smack in the middle of one.
Ok. So here’s where I’d like to hear from you. How do you think we can change this problem-or do we just “comply” and hope it goes away? Comment below and share your thoughts.
Couple thoughts on all of this… So because of past jobs I have a few hundred thousands miles logged in the air. I have discovered that it is best to fly with your passport rather than your DL for the simple fact that TSA doesn’t scrutinize you as much. I was once accused of having a fake DL when I was trying to make a flight in the South because the TSA agent hadn’t seen my particular one at the time - I’m withholding my comments on this. Never used my DL after that. Secondly, there’s no medical questionnaire that goes along with it and it’s good for 10 years before you simply have to renew. Also, new regulations for flying will make certain state DL’s not eligible as identification I believe by the end of this year.
As far as a DL and specifying that you have a medical condition, if your doctor doesn’t think you should be driving then he/she should tell them. Otherwise, the government has no business knowing my medical issues. That’s how seizure patients are treated, so why would I be any different? I know it’s a lot on the doctors, but that’s their job. My boyfriend’s dad has to pull licenses all the time as a cardiologist. He told me it’s not really a big deal in the long run with paperwork. I would much rather have my doctor make this decision and have to follow protocol every year after that than just because the state is uneducated.
I can see why they have these rules (this question isn’t just for diabetics), but if they are going to leave the statement asking about “if you have any medical conditions they should know about that impair your driving” (or some variation there of) my answer will always be no because it’s subjective. Like many us of I’m very careful before I get behind the wheel. My license is good until 2056 in Arizona so I’m at least good for a little while unless my doctor says otherwise 😉 !
That’s a great point about using a passport instead! I left mine in Massachusetts, predictably, because I wanted to make sure it didn’t get lost…
Devon’s take on it is spot on. It should be up to the doctor. How do we go about changing this?
That’s a great question. I suspect that it comes down to a lot of campaigning and knowing who to aim that at.
Steve,
Can you explain the letter of Compliance in the State of Utah? Kai will be attending University of Utah this coming Fall. He will have an out of state driver’s license unless he applies for residency. Is this a doctors letter that he will have to have when applying for a Utah license or a letter when driving from out of state? Would love the clarification.
Hi Kathleen, the letter is only necessary if you’re getting a Utah license and IF you choose to reveal to the DMV that you have diabetes. They have a form that your doctor has to fill out-and fax in. You can’t email it in which seems bizarre in this day and age…
It’s crazy though, how un-universal (is that a word?) the laws are! Hunter checked the box, told the truth about his type 1, and they never said a word or mentioned it again and he got his license at age 17 without a hitch. His friend, on the other hand, got hers after 3 DMV appointments, a required interview with the DMV “medical expert” (cough cough), notes from her dr and waiting a year. This was ONE town over. They are SO inconsistent that it doesn’t make sense to have them be involved!
Wow that’s surprising! It’s hard to know what to do, because you don’t know what kind of treatment you’ll get.
Hello. Just came across your website. Way to get out there and do what you love. I am also a Type 1 who lives a very active lifestyle. LCHF has been great for me also. We live in Moab utah and love to have guests, Look us up when your around here.
Thanks Dean! Will do! How did you run across us?
Ran into a similar issue in Texas. I was working for a beverage distributor making deliveries. After working there for awhile the company decided I needed to apply for my commercial DL. I disclosed my diabetes to the DMV and was immediately denied the class C license. Was forced to quit my well paying job and find new work. Had I kept my mouth shut about diabetes I would probably still have that job…
Aw man! That is a bummer! It’s so frustrating because once it’s out there you can’t take it back…hindsight is 20/20 but it’s still painfully arbitrary and unnecessary.
Keep on working, great job!