Medically unfit driver numbers up 200%
The number of drivers receiving endorsements on their licence for driving while medically unfit to do so has increased by more than 200% in the last four years.
DVLA data obtained by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart found that the number of motorists receiving endorsements for driving after a licence has been cancelled or refused on medical grounds, driving after making a false declaration about fitness or driving with uncorrected defective eyesight increased from 198 in 2022 to 669 in 2025.
Further analysis showed that 646 out of the 669 cases were for driving after licence revocation, with working age adults accounting for 84% of prosecutions.
Meanwhile, 1,192 fatal and serious injuries on the road were recorded in 2025 where defective eyesight or illness and/or disability were recorded as a factor in a collision. These numbers have been broadly stable since 2019.
IAM RoadSmart director of policy Nicholas Lyes said: “While the numbers are relatively low, they still equate to two people every day and the trend is heading in the wrong direction. Greater use of ANPR enforcement is likely to be the most plausible cause behind the increase, but it still paints a worrying picture of individuals that are unwilling to stop driving, despite being told not to.
“Having a medical condition that impacts on your driving is undoubtedly stressful for the individual because of the uncertainty and the potential loss of independence that comes with effectively surrendering or losing your licence. We also understand that waiting for a decision from medical experts can be frustrating.
“However, drivers have a responsibility to keep everyone safe – themselves and others on the road and no matter how concerned you might be about needing to travel, driving when unfit to do so could cause serious injury or worse, both for you and others.”
