Diabetes teen ‘humiliated’ over test ban

A teenager with diabetes was left “humiliated” after being disqualified from a driving exam for taking a blood glucose monitor with her.

Lowri Jones, who has type 1 diabetes, was asked to leave the theory test, after officials for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in Chester deemed her blood glucose meter, to be an “inappropriate” item.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the 17-year-old said: “It was really humiliating and people were probably thinking I was cheating when I wasn’t. It was so embarrassing and it’s not my fault I need my blood reader. I went up to my mum in tears afterwards, I was so embarrassed.”

We apologise for any inconvenience to the candidate

‘Free test’

Lowri, who is from Northop in north Wales said she had made officials aware that she had diabetes and needed her monitor with her, but with just 10 questions to go she was asked to leave.
The DVSA website states that theory test rules mean all personal items must be locked away and are not allowed to be taken in to the test environment.

Elizabeth Smith, the DVSA Theory Test Service Manager, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience to the candidate and have arranged for her to retake the test free of charge. We will also be reviewing our procedures with regards to essential medical equipment being allowed into the exam room.”

Karen Addington, Chief Executive of JDRF, said: “People living with type 1 diabetes should never face discrimination of any kind. Life with the condition can be challenging enough already. I’m glad to see the authorities have apologised to Lowri and offered her a free test.”