37,000 drivers lost or refused licences after failing to meet eyesight standards

An FOI request highlighted the number of licences revoked or refused between 2022 and 2025 where failure to meet the eyesight standard was recorded as the primary reason

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A driver’s hands on the wheel of the car in the 10 and 2 position. The photograph is taken over the driver’s shoulder and focused on their hands

Pexels/the Amritdev

Kimberley Young

09 April 2026

More than 37,000 drivers lost or were refused licences after failing to meet the required eyesight standard between 2022 and 2025, new Freedom of Information (FOI) data has shown.

An FOI request made by motor retailer, Marshall Motor Group, of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) found that between 2022 and 2025, 32,944 drivers lost or were refused licences having failed to meet the eyesight standard.

Over the same period, a further 4177 bus and lorry drivers holding Group 2 licences also had their entitlement revoked or refused for failing to meet the vision standard.

The group learnt that there were 7845 eyesight-related licence losses in 2025. This is compared to 8258 in 2024, 7362 in 2023, and a high of 9479 in 2022.

Licence loss for reasons associated with vision affected drivers across all age brackets, the group reported, but was highest amongst older age groups, with 10,794 licences refused or revoked in the 70 to 79 age category between 2022 and 2025.

Over the same period, in the 55 to 69 age category, 6361 licences were refused or revoked, while the figure was 8060 in the 80 to 89 age range.

The group pointed out that more than 6500 drivers under the age of 55 also lost licences over the time period for vision related issues.

The group shared data that suggests roadside eyesight test failures have increased by almost 180% – rising from 256 in 2022 to 715 in 2025.

This rise could indicate roadside eyesight checks are playing a bigger role in identifying drivers who no longer meet the vision standards for driving, the group suggested.

Amongst professional drivers with a Group 2 (bus or lorry) licence, the data showed that those aged between 40 and 54 and those between 55 and 69 accounted for the most licence losses due to eyesight at 1129 and 2047 respectively.

The group noted that professional drivers are subject to stricter DVLA medical standards, including periodic medical examinations from the age of 45 and annual medical assessments from the age of 65, which include eyesight testing.

Ben Welham, motoring expert at Marshall Motor Group, commented: “Eyesight deterioration usually happens gradually, so drivers might not notice small changes over time. The data shows this isn’t limited to one age group, so maintaining good vision is relevant at every stage of life.”

Welham emphasised: “Regular professional eye tests remain the safest way to make sure you meet the legal standard and can continue driving confidently.”

The motoring expert also highlighted the requirement for drivers to be able to clearly read a standard number plate from 20 metres away.

He added: “If road signs don’t look as sharp as they used to, headlights feel more dazzling at night, or you find yourself squinting more often, those can all be signs it’s time to book an eye test.”

The findings come as the Government consults on proposals to introduce mandatory sight tests for drivers over the age of 70. Find out more about the consultation here.