Glaucoma was the third most commonly recorded medical condition among car and motorcycle licence holders

Motor Group reports on FOI findings 

Glaucoma was the third most commonly recorded medical condition among car and motorcycle licence holders in 2026, according to new Freedom of Information data obtained by Marshall Motor Group.

The data, obtained from the DVLA, shows that glaucoma accounted for 16,551 records among Group 1 licence holders, which includes cars and motorcycles, between 1 January and 28 May 2026.

Visual problems were also among the ten most commonly recorded conditions, with 6,031 records over the same period.

Eye-related issues were also among the most common conditions linked to licences being revoked, refused or voluntarily surrendered. Among Group 1 licence holders, 910 records were linked to eyesight not meeting the required standard, 425 were linked to visual field refusal and 187 followed failed roadside eyesight tests.

Among Group 2 licence holders, which includes bus and lorry entitlements, eyesight falling below the required Group 2 standard was the most common condition linked to revoked, refused or surrendered entitlements in 2026, with 100 records.

The figures form part of a wider FOI dataset which reveals that over 2.1 million full or provisional GB driving licence holders now have a medical condition recorded with the DVLA. This has increased by more than 326,000 in two years, with around one in 25 GB licence holders now affected.

Since the start of 2024, there have also been 140,981 records where a GB licence holder had their entitlement to drive revoked, had a new application refused, or voluntarily surrendered their entitlement following medical condition notifications.

The data also shows that 332,631 short-term medical licences have been issued to full or provisional GB licence holders since the start of 2024. These can allow drivers with medical conditions to stay on the road, but with their fitness to drive reviewed sooner than it would be under a standard licence.

Ben Welham, motoring expert at Marshall Motor Group, has provided advice for drivers on when they may need to notify the DVLA, why they should not ignore changes to their health, and why a medical condition does not automatically mean someone has to stop driving.

He said: “Many people with medical conditions are still able to drive safely, but it’s important for drivers to understand when they need to tell the DVLA.

“Drivers should not try to guess whether a condition matters, especially if they have recently been diagnosed or their symptoms have changed. The safest approach is to check the official DVLA guidance for that condition and speak to a doctor if they are unsure.”

Ben has also provided further advice on what short-term medical licences mean, when drivers may need to notify the DVLA, and why ignoring medical advice or DVLA correspondence can have serious consequences.

A link back to the research here would also be appreciated: https://www.marshall.co.uk/guides/insights/drivers-with-medical-conditions/