Hundreds of motorists have had their driving licences revoked by the DVLA for suffering from one common condition, according to experts. DVLA data showed that thousands have had their licences taken off them for sleep-related conditions over the past five years.
Driver fatigue is one of the biggest contributing factors to road collisions, with motorists likely to lose concentration and take their eyes off the road. Sleep experts at MattressNextDay sent Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the DVLA to uncover how many drivers have been affected. However, the data revealed that hundreds of drivers were losing their freedom to drive every year for the simple issue.
Martin Seeley, senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay said: “Driving while tired can impact reaction times, decision-making abilities and vigilance on the roads, putting you and others on the road at risk.
“In fact, studies have shown that a low level of fatigue can impair your reaction time as much as, if not more than, being under the influence of alcohol.”
According to data, 1,816 drivers in the UK have had their licenses revoked since 2020 for sleep-related conditions. However, the issue appears to be on the rise with 376 licences revoked in 2205 as of July.
This is already higher than the 371 licences revoked over the whole of 2023, the highest this decade. Over 170,000 drivers in the UK have reported sleep-related medical conditions to the DVLA, a 15.7% increase since 2018.
Last year, 603 licence applications were rejected as a result of sleep conditions up on the 592 applications denied in 2023. Up until July, 484 applications have been rejected so far in 2025, suggesting it’s still an issue plaguing the DVLA.
Motorists must report any medical conditions to the DVLA, with sleep apnoea and narcolepsy among those listed. Failure to update the DVLA about any serious health conditions could see road users fined up to £1,000.
Mr Seeley stressed that excessive yawning, slow reactions, heavy eyelids and difficulty focusing are all early signs of tiredness. However, he urged road users to always pull over and stop for a rest if they are struggling to make sure they stay safe.
He added: “If you notice these signs, we recommend: taking a short 15-20 minute nap, drinking caffeine, getting some fresh air and stretching your body, staying hydrated, considering alternative transport, and only driving again if you know you can safely.”