DVLA data has revealed dementia is the most common reason why motorists lose their driving licence. A total of 7,767 saw their licenses revoked in 2018 in figures dramatically higher than just four years previously where revocations stood at just 4,717.
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DVLA driving licence could be revoked on medical grounds
Epilepsy was the second highest reason for DVLA medical revocations with over 5,500 driving licences taken away from drivers.
A total of 5,763 motorists who suffered from the illness had their licences removed although this had only increased by around 2,000 over five years.
Alcohol misuse was the reason for over 3,000 renovations while blackouts and seizures accounted for over 2,000.
Data from the DVLA has revealed total medical revocations have increased by almost 40 percent in a five year period.
A total of 61,482 licences were taken off motorists on health grounds in 2018 compared to just 41,447 in 2014.
Other medical issues which have seen major increases in revocation include motorists fitted with either a defibrillator or pacemaker.
Revocations for drug misuse soared from 929 to 1,624 between 2014 and 2016. However, this has since fallen to 1,397.
Stroke victims have seen a rise in revocations from 896 to 1,106 while patients suffering brain tumours have had to deal with a double in the number of revocations since 2014.
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However, some illnesses have seen major reductions in the rate of licence loss over the past six years.
Those suffering from diabetes have recorded the biggest fall with those taking insulin noticed a drop in 800 recvocations.
Over 2,500 licences were taken off motorists in 2014 although this has fallen to just over 1,700.
Why are licences revoked?
The DVLA decides to revoke driving licences to protect the safety of road users.
Licences can be revoked if the agency doesn’t feel a driver is fit enough to personally drive or could put others at risk.
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In a statement, a DVLA spokesperson said “By law, all drivers must ensure that they are medically fit to drive and must notify us of the onset or worsening of a medical condition that could affect this.
“Where we are notified of a medical condition that may affect driving, the driver may be referred for further assessment.
“We then make an evidence-based decision on whether the driver can retain their licence.
What are the penalties of driving with a medical condition?
Motorists can be fined and charged if they fail to make the DVLA aware of a medical condition which could take them off the roads.
Road users could be fined up to £1,000 for not informing them of a condition while GOV.UK warns some motorists may be prosecuted in an accident.
Revocations usually last for a minimum of three months although road users are warned they will only get back their licence when they meet the correct medical standards.
Driving against medical advice could put yourself and other road users at risk of a car crash which could see police entitled to charge you with a dangerous driving offence.
This can see fines increase up to £2,500 and can also result in penalty points or even a driving ban.
Driving against doctor’s orders can also invalidate a car insurance agreement as this could be viewed as negligence.
Insurance agreements could even be axed if road users fail to inform their insurer of any medical issues which could affect their driving even if this is not enough to lose their licence.
Invalidated cover means road users will not be entitled to compensation for vehicle damage which could result in expensive personal costs.
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