DVLA forces thousands of drivers to ‘surrender their licence’ after ‘taking risks’

The DVLA has revoked 7,000 driving licenses because of alcohol addiction, new figures show. In recent figures, alcohol addiction is the biggest factor, with more than 7,700 losing their right to get behind the wheel directly as a result of drinking.

Epilepsy is next on the list, with almost 5,900 people losing their driving license since the start of 2023. Dementia is next, with a staggering 4,900 people taken off the road due to cognitive concerns following DVLA reviews.

DVLA data analyzed by leading car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco tracked the arrests of 2,888 affected drivers. John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, said: “You can be fined up to £1,000 for failing to tell the DVLA about a condition affecting your driving, but is this really a strong enough deterrent?

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

The top ten conditions included Alcohol Dependence – 7,704 and Epilepsy – 5,894, followed by Dementia – 4,900 and Seizures (solitary) – 2,888 and Blackout (cause unknown) – 1,824 and Heart (defibrillator), 1,577 and Diabetes (insulin) and abuse of medicines. – 1.299 and also visual field defect – 1.244 and also Parkinsons- 1.234.

The DVLA warns: “You must surrender your license to the DVLA if any of the following are true: Your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more. Your condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more or you do not meet the standards required for driving due to your medical condition.

“You can apply to get your license back when you meet the medical standards for driving again.”