Visual problems among most common conditions recorded with the DVLA, FOI data finds

Eye-related issues were among the most common conditions linked to driving licences being revoked, refused or voluntarily suspended, according to new Freedom of Information (FOI) data.

The FOI data was obtained by Marshall Motor Group from the DVLA covering the period between 1 January and 28 May 2026.

The group found that, among Group 1 licence holders, which includes cars and motorcycles, 910 records were linked to eyesight not meeting the required standard, 425 were linked to visual field refusal and 187 followed failed roadside eyesight tests.

Among Group 2 licence holders, which includes bus and lorry entitlements, eyesight falling below the required standard was the most common condition linked to revoked, refused or surrendered entitlements in 2026, with 100 records, Marshall Motor Group learned.

The data showed that glaucoma accounted for 16,551 records among Group 1 licence holders between 1 January and 28 May 2026.

Visual problems were among the 10 most commonly recorded conditions, with 6031 records over the same period.

The figures were drawn from a wider FOI dataset which revealed that more than 2.1 million full or provisional licence holders in Great Britain now have a medical condition recorded with the DVLA – a rise of 17.7% in two years.

Diabetes, pacemakers, and glaucoma were the top three most common medical conditions for Group 1 licence holders between 1 January and 28 May 2026, the data indicated.

Since the start of 2024, the data suggests there have been 140,981 records where a GB licence holder had their entitlement to drive revoked, had a new application refused, or voluntarily surrendered their entitlement following medical condition notifications.

Ben Welham, a 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.”

Data revealed that 332,631 short-term medical licences have been issued since the start of 2024 – these can allow drivers with medical conditions to stay on the road, but with their fitness to drive reviewed sooner than under a standard licence.

Welham emphasised: “Drivers should not try to guess whether a condition matters, especially if they have recently been diagnosed or their symptoms have changed.”

Advising drivers that the “safest approach” is to check official DVLA guidance for that condition and speak to a medical professional if unsure, he added: “Ignoring a diagnosis, medical advice or DVLA correspondence can have serious consequences.”