Older motorists were informed they would no longer be able to drive
09:51, 19 May 2026Updated 11:40, 20 May 2026
The DVLA has taken older drivers off the roads.
Older drivers have been taken off the roads after the DVLA became aware of an important health condition.
People in their 80s and 90s had their licences cancelled after it was decided they were no longer safe to be behind the wheel.
It comes as over-70s face mandatory eyesight tests under tough new safety rules set to be rolled out by the Government.
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If they fail they will be taken off the roads and banned from driving.
The DVLA can remove driving licences if they fear people pose a danger to others because of medical conditions. Often this will be because of failing eyesight.
Figures have shown how many licences belonging to older drivers were cancelled or refused renewal over recent years for eyesight-related reasons.
There were 8,060 licences were cancelled in the 80-89 age bracket over the last four years. There were another 1,202 aged over 90 as officials decided these people were no longer safe to get behind the wheel, DVLA data showed.
The 70-79 age bracket saw the highest number of cancelled licences with 10,794, reflecting higher numbers of people this age still on the roads.
The Government is moving to tighten rules amid concerns over the existing self-reporting system.
Drivers must flag up any health issues which could make them a risk on the roads but cases slip through the net.
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We recently reported how Joan Barwick, 95, was “simply not looking at what was in front of her” when she struck and killed a woman walking her dog near Stourbridge last year.
Licences need to be renewed once people turn 70 and then every three years after that.
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: “Sufficient eyesight is crucial for safe driving at any age, as clear vision is essential for spotting hazards and reacting quickly behind the wheel.
“While the Government’s consultation on introducing mandatory eye tests for older drivers is a positive step towards improving road safety, it’s important to recognise that eyesight can change over time, and many motorists may not realise when their vision no longer meets the legal standard, including being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. “Our research shows collisions involving drivers with eyesight issues rose by 26% in the last year, with nearly 20,000 licences revoked over the past three years due to vision problems. More than 1,000 under-50s lost their licences last year alone, highlighting that this is a concern for all drivers. “While mandatory testing could help, regular eye tests, keeping prescriptions up to date, and wearing corrective lenses when needed are simple steps that can reduce risks, avoid penalties, and help keep roads safer for everyone.”