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More than 32,000 drivers lost their licences due to not meeting eyesight standard – Marshall

A further 4,177 bus and lorry drivers holding Group 2 licences also had their entitlement revoked or refused over the same period for the same reason.

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Between 2022 and 2025, 32,944 drivers lost or were refused licences after failing to meet the required eyesight standard, according to Freedom of Information data obtained by Marshall Motor Group.

A further 4,177 bus and lorry drivers holding Group 2 licences also had their entitlement revoked or refused over the same period for the same reason.

The figures showed that eyesight-related licence loss spans all adult age groups, which Marshall said underlines that maintaining good vision is relevant for drivers at every stage of life.

Eyesight-related licence loss has remained high over the past four years, with the peak of 9,479 coming in 2022.

The figures come as the Government announces plans to reform driving laws, including proposals to introduce regular vision checks for drivers aged 70 and over.

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The highest numbers are seen in older age groups, with 10,794 and 8,060 licences lost among 70 to 79 and 80 to 89, respectively.

However, more than 6,500 drivers under the age of 55 also lost their licences during this period because of vision issues.

Roadside eyesight test failures have increased by almost 180% during the four years of the study, rising from 256 in 2022 to 715 in 2025.

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Marshall said the sharp recent rise suggests roadside eyesight checks are now playing a crucial role in identifying drivers who no longer meet the legal standard.

Under UK law, motorists must be able to read a standard vehicle number plate from 20 metres away, which is roughly five parked cars, wearing glasses or contact lenses if they normally use them.

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Police have the authority to carry out immediate roadside eyesight tests if they are concerned about a driver’s vision.

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Where a motorist fails to meet the legal number plate requirement, officers can notify the DVLA directly and begin the licence review process.

Drivers who fail the test no longer meet the legal eyesight standard required to drive.

Across the four years, the data showed that drivers aged 40 to 69 account for most of the professional licence losses due to poor eyesight.

Professional drivers are subject to stricter DVLA medical standards than private motorists, including periodic medical examinations from age 45 and annual medical assessments from age 65, which include eyesight testing as part of the DVLA’s Group 2 fitness-to-drive requirements.

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However, outside these statutory requirements, there is no universal obligation for employers to arrange additional routine eyesight tests.

Beyond the number plate check, drivers must also meet minimum clinical eyesight standards measured by an optician, including visual acuity and an adequate field of vision.

For lorry and bus drivers, the requirements are stricter, with higher visual acuity standards and a wider field of vision needed to operate larger vehicles safely.

If a driver fails to meet the required standard, the DVLA can revoke their licence. Drivers may be able to regain their entitlement if they can demonstrate that their eyesight now meets the legal threshold, typically by providing medical evidence following a professional eye examination.

Although regular professional eye tests are the safest option for drivers to make sure their vision meets legal requirements, Ben Welham, motoring expert at Marshall Motor Group, said that motorists can look out for early warning signs themselves.

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Welham added: “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.

“If road signs don’t look as sharp as they used to, headlights feel more dazzling at night, or you find yourself squinting more often, those can all be signs it’s time to book an eye test.”

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