The DVLA is cancelling driving licences after becoming aware of a condition affecting 190,000 drivers. Between 2023 and 2026, approximately 190,000 motorists notified the DVLA about an eye condition, according to data from the DVLA and the Labour Party government.
Under DVLA regulations, licences can be revoked due to concerns over eyesight. The agency cancelled 33,000 licences last year, as reported by a car insurance firm. Matt Crole-Rees, car insurance expert at Confused.com, commented: "There are simple steps drivers can take to stay safe. Regular eye tests are key, ideally every two years or sooner if you notice any changes. If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, you must wear them every time you get behind the wheel and keep your prescription up to date."
He added: "Failing to wear required corrective lenses can also invalidate your car insurance, which could have serious consequences if you are involved in an incident." Confused.com found that 19,715 driving licences have been revoked over the past three years due to vision issues, including 6,069 in 2025 alone. Additionally, 1,499 driving tests were failed due to poor eyesight, costing learners an estimated £93,000 in test fees.
Crashes linked to drivers with eyesight issues have risen year-on-year, increasing from 152 in 2023 to 170 in 2024 and 214 in 2025. Essex recorded the largest increase in vision-related incidents, climbing from just 5 in 2023 to 29 in 2025, nearly six times higher. Kent and Sussex were also cited as hotspots.
Legislation requires that car or motorcycle (group 1) drivers should normally have a field of vision with a width of at least 120 degrees and at least 50 degrees on either side at fixation. Expert medical advice to the DVLA recommends that there should be no significant scotomata (areas of field loss) encroaching within 20 degrees of fixation.
If you have vision in only one eye (monocularity), you may still be able to meet the legal eyesight standards for driving. It can take three months or more for you to adapt to driving with vision in one eye. Your ability to judge distances may be affected, and you may not be so aware of objects to each side. You should not drive until your healthcare professional or eyesight specialist advises that you have fully adapted to monocularity, and you must be able to meet the visual acuity and visual field standards.
