MOST COMMON REASONS DRIVING LICENCES ARE STRIPPED BY THE DVLA - FULL LIST
News figures have revealed the top reasons why drivers are stripped of their licences on health grounds by the DVLA - with conditions like heart problems, diabetes and Parkinson's disease featuring prominently.
However, these are overshadowed by the number of people who lose their driving privileges due to other reason, particularly alcohol dependency, which accounts for over 7,700 revocations. Epilepsy follows closely, with nearly 5,900 individuals having their licences withdrawn since the start of 2023, while dementia has seen about 4,900 drivers taken off the roads owing to cognitive issues. Seizures also make the list, with a significant 2,888 people having their licences rescinded.
This data was brought to light by LeaseLoco, a leading car leasing comparison site, which also discovered that more than 650,000 drivers have had their licences revoked since 2014. Yet, there's worry that these numbers might just be scratching the surface, as it's suspected many drivers conceal medical conditions to keep driving.
John Wilmot, the CEO of LeaseLoco, commented on the issue, saying: "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? " He added, "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." Once a licence is revoked on medical grounds, motorists are not permanently banned and can reapply for it later, reports the Express. This is however contingent on a doctor's confirmation that the individual meets the required standards for driving in the UK.
The GOV. UK website clarifies the process: "DVLA will send you a letter when your licence is taken away, or if your application for a driving licence is refused. The letter will tell you if there's a period of time you need to wait before getting a new licence. You can then reapply 8 weeks before the end of this period."
Drivers must complete a D1 application form and submit it to the DVLA to initiate the application process. Additionally, evidence proving their capability to drive may be necessary before the application can proceed.
Here are the top 10 reasons driving licences get revoked for medical reasons
- Alcohol Dependency - 7,704
- Epilepsy - 5,894
- Dementia - 4,900
- Seizure (solitary) - 2,888
- Blackout (unknown cause) - 1,824
- Heart (defibrillator), 1,577
- Diabetes (insulin) - 1,500
- Drug misuse - 1,299
- Visual field defect - 1,244
- Parkinson's- 1,234