Number of drivers having licence revoked on medical grounds revealed

New data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reveals how many drivers have had their licence revoked on medical grounds.

The figures, analysed by car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco, show that almost 650,000 UK drivers (646,972) had their driving licence revoked for medical reasons since 2014.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted in May, revealed that 551,841 motorcycle and car drivers and 95,131 lorry or bus drivers had their licences revoked over the past decade.

In the first four month of this year, more than 23,000 UK drivers (23,060) lost their licence due to medical conditions, with 20,255 car or motorcycle (Group 1) and 2,805 lorry or bus (Group 2) licences being medically revoked.

Alcohol dependency, epilepsy and dementia are the three most common reasons for the DVLA to medically revoke a licence, with almost 18,498 cancelled since the start of 2023.

The data also reveals that more than twice as many men as women have had their driving licences revoked on medical grounds since 2023.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, said: “Since the start of 2014, more than 650,000 drivers have had their licences revoked due to medical reasons. But this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

“How many people are driving with medical conditions they haven’t reported?

“You can be fined up to £1,000 for not informing the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving, but is that really a strong enough deterrent?

“With so many of us relying on our cars for work and leisure, some drivers may think it's worth the risk to stay silent. For them, surrendering their licence could mean losing their mobility, their job, and the ability to visit family and friends.”

Some 64,221 men had their licences revoked compared to 26,926 female drivers.

The following table shows the number of driving licences medically revoked since the start of 2014.

The following table shows the most common reasons why the DVLA revoked a driving licence on medical grounds (2023 and 2024).

If a driver has their licence revoked on medical grounds, they can reapply for their licence once their doctor says they meet the medical standards for driving.

The rules are different if a driver voluntarily surrenders their licence. Under these circumstances, you can drive while your licence is being renewed if: you have the support of your doctor, a valid licence, you only drive under the conditions of the previous licence, you’re not disqualified, your last licence wasn’t revoked and your application is less than 12 months old.