Drivers told to follow little-known DVLA rule as thousands risk licence being revoked
The DVLA has revoked millions of driving photocards over the last decade, with motorists urged to follow the rules
DVLA officials have removed over 640,000 driving licences from motorists in the past decade, with more drivers at risk of breaching the rules. The DVLA has revoked millions of driving photocards due to concerns about medical conditions, putting older road users in jeopardy.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that DVLA data analysed by LeaseLoco showed that 646,972 motorists have had their licences revoked since 2014. In total, more than half a million car and motorcycle owners have lost their licence, while over 85,000 lorry and bus drivers have also been affected.
However, thousands of motorists are at risk of being caught out each year, with almost 900,000 decisions made by the DVLA in 2023, reports the Express. John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, stated: "Since the start of 2014, more than 650,000 drivers have had 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?" The DVLA states that road users must report any medical conditions to officials as soon as possible.
Once drivers have disclosed a condition, experts will examine the evidence and decide on a course of action. The GOV.UK website warned: "Your application may take longer than usual if it needs to be referred to a doctor (unless you're applying for a bus or lorry licence).
"You can usually keep driving while DVLA are considering your application." Reporting a medical condition doesn't necessarily result in a photocard being taken away, of course, with other less severe options also available.
Motorists might discover they're permitted to carry on driving with a reduced licence period or by accepting special vehicle modifications. Drivers could be hit with a £1,000 penalty if they fail to inform the DVLA about a condition that might impact their driving capabilities.
Serious medical issues including epilepsy, cardiac problems and dementia are specified by the DVLA. Yet some less severe conditions like alcohol dependency, anxiety and depression are also classed as ailments that motorists must declare immediately.
Drivers might be unaware these conditions are covered and consequently neglect to notify the DVLA, putting themselves at risk of penalties.