Applying for a driver’s license with type 1 diabetes

When it’s time to renew your driver’s license—or if you’re applying for one for the first time—and you have diabetes, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

For issuing or renewing a license, the CBR (Dutch Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing) assesses whether a driver is fit to safely participate in traffic. This is essential for everyone’s road safety.

1. Start Early! After submitting your application, processing can take up to four months. So if your driver’s license needs to be renewed, don’t wait until the last minute. 

2. Complete a Health Declaration from the CBR (Previously called the “Eigen Verklaring”). The form includes a question about whether you have diabetes. If you do, you are required to answer “yes.” You do not need to send this declaration to us.
3. Receive a Zorgdomein Code from the CBR. Once the CBR has approved your Health Declaration, you’ll receive a Zorgdomein code. You can find this code in your “Mijn CBR” account on the CBR website.
4. Email the Zorgdomein Code to Your Treatment Team. Send the code to your treatment team, addressed to your treating physician, with the subject line “CBR application.” Your physician will use the Zorgdomein code to complete and submit a digital questionnaire via Zorgdomein.
5. The Questionnaire Must Be Completed Truthfully. Be aware: if, in the period leading up to the form submission, you’ve been measuring your glucose less than four times a day and experiencing frequent hypos, your doctor will need to report this.
6. Take Good Care of Your Glucose Management. This is another reason to maintain good control. Consult your diabetes team if you’re having issues to avoid disappointment if your doctor cannot provide suitable answers on all points. The form also asks about complications. You’ll need a separate statement from your ophthalmologist, which we cannot arrange for you.
7. The Questionnaire Is Not a Medical Examination. It is factual information that we, as your care provider, submit to the CBR at your request. Your fitness to drive will be assessed by the CBR.
8. Confirmation Email from Your Treating Physician. You’ll receive an email once the declaration has been submitted to the CBR. If you haven’t received it, contact your physician via your treatment team’s email address.
9. CBR May Request Additional Information. Based on your declaration and the questionnaire, the CBR may decide it needs more information or an independent internist. You’ll also receive a form from the CBR to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist. You do not need a referral from your GP or from us—the CBR document is sufficient. Note: Diabeter’s fundus exam is not sufficient for this assessment; you’ll need a full consultation with an ophthalmologist.
10. Final Decision by the CBR. The CBR will then decide whether you are fit to drive (yes or no).