More than 140,000 motorists have had their driving privileges withdrawn over the past two years after the DVLA was alerted to medical conditions. Licences were cancelled, fresh applications rejected or willingly surrendered following notifications about medical issues.
Drivers are required to notify the DVLA about conditions that might affect their capacity to drive safely. Licences can be withdrawn if an individual is deemed to pose a safety threat.
Government plans for older drivers
The latest statistics emerge as the Government prepares to strengthen safety regulations concerning elderly drivers. This would require over-70s to undertake compulsory vision examinations to demonstrate they remain fit to drive, reports Birmingham Live.
They might also face "cognitive" assessments to evaluate concentration and response times under proposals outlined in a new Government road safety blueprint. Grounds for revoking licences would have encompassed sight-related ailments.
FOI disclosure and expert warning
The latest information was disclosed following a freedom of information request from Marshall Motor Group. There are probably countless additional drivers with conditions that haven't been reported to the DVLA.
The Government seeks to strengthen safety regulations for older motorists after several tragic incidents in recent years. This has triggered increasing demands for stricter assessments to guarantee people remain safe to drive.
Under current legislation, it falls to drivers themselves to report conditions, which presents clear risks. Ben Welham, motoring expert at Marshall Motor Group, said: "Many people with medical conditions are still able to drive safely, but it's important for drivers to understand when they need to tell the DVLA.
"A notifiable condition is one that could affect your ability to drive safely. This could include issues with eyesight, consciousness, mobility, memory, reaction times or a condition that could cause sudden symptoms behind the wheel. Drivers shouldn't try to guess whether a condition matters, especially if they've recently been diagnosed or their symptoms have changed.
"The safest approach is to check the official DVLA guidance for that condition and speak to a doctor if they are unsure. Ignoring a diagnosis, medical advice or DVLA correspondence can have serious consequences."
Drivers could face a fine if they fail to tell the DVLA about a condition that might affect their ability to drive safely, and the safety risks can be even more serious.
