DVLA strips 33,000 Brits of their driving licences on account of one particular situation
The DVLA has cancelled or refused to renew almost 33,000 driving licences due to one specific condition – numbers are set to rise as mandatory tests for over-70s are on the horizon
Thousands of Brits had their licences cancelled or refused to be renewed
(Stock)
Nearly 33,000 driving licences have been stripped by the DVLA due to one specific condition. Over the last four years motoring authority intervened to either revoke or refuse renewal of licences over fears motorists could present a hazard on the roads.
These instances involved eyesight-related conditions as the Government launches a clampdown on the issue amongst older drivers. The DVLA prohibited people from driving after discovering eyesight conditions which could render drivers a threat on the roads.
There were a total of 32,944 such instances over the past four years, a freedom of information data from Marshall Motor Group revealed. Motorists must notify the DVLA of any eyesight-related conditions which might affect their capacity to drive safely.
The Government has unveiled mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70, following concerns existing rules aren’t robust enough. People must renew their driving licences upon turning 70 and every three years thereafter, reports Birmingham Live.
The stricter laws could lead to more driving licences being withdrawn. While it wasn’t exclusively over-70s who lost their licences due to their eyesight, the figures were elevated. The 70-79 age group witnessed the highest number of cancelled licences at 10,794.
There were an additional 8,060 for those aged 80 to 89 and 1,202 for over 90 and over. Ben Welham, motoring expert at Marshall Motor Group, stated: “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. Regular professional eye tests remain the safest way to make sure you meet the legal standard and can continue driving confidently.
“Drivers should be able to clearly read a standard number plate from 20 metres away.”
The Daily Star previously reported on one simple action motorists could take to make life easier and lower the risk of an £1,000 fine. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is urging motorists to establish a digital driver and vehicles account, enabling them to view essential motoring information in a single location.
The body says this will make it easier to monitor penalty points as well as licence renewals and MOT deadlines. Driving without a valid MOT usually invalidates your car insurance because most policies require a roadworthy vehicle, which is defined by having an MOT.
You face a fine of up to £1,000, and if your insurance is invalidated, you could be fined an additional £300, get 6 points, or face an unlimited fine. The DVLA says the online account can be established within minutes and allows drivers to examine their records, verify when their vehicle’s MOT is due to expire and organise reminders for crucial deadlines. Motorists can register here.
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