Thousands of motorists across the UK are losing their driving licences due to sleep-related medical conditions.

According to data, 2025 has already seen more revocations than any of the previous five years.

The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and released by MattressNextDay, reveal that 4,425 driving licences were refused or revoked since 2020 because drivers failed to meet medical standards linked to sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and narcolepsy.

Revocation surge 

The FOI data shows a 94% increase in sleep-related revocations between 2020 and 2024, underscoring growing concerns over the risks of drowsy driving.

Year Licences Refused Licences Revoked Total
2020 270 211 481
2021 221 161 382
2022 439 368 807
2023 592 371 963
2024 603 329 932
2025* 484 376 860
Total 2,609 1,816 4,425
*Data for 2025 covers January to mid-July only.      

If the current trend continues, 2025 could record more than 1,400 licence revocations and refusals, making it the highest on record.

The problem isn’t evenly spread across the UK.

The Shetland Isles top the table, with 103 cases per 10,000 licence holders reporting sleep-related impairments.

Shropshire (99.2 per 10,000) and the East Riding of Yorkshire (95.4) follow closely.

At the other end of the scale, motorists in Greater London (18.3 per 10,000), the West Midlands (16.7), and Inverclyde (20.1) are least likely to report sleep-related medical conditions to the DVLA.

Experts believe the variation may reflect differences in age demographics, awareness of reporting rules, and local health services rather than the actual prevalence of conditions.

Sleep or not to sleep 

While poor eyesight has traditionally been a leading cause of medical licence revocations, sleep-related conditions are becoming a growing concern.

According to road safety analysts, fatigue contributes to around one in five road incidents — a far higher proportion than those caused by vision problems.

“Driving while fatigued can impair you as much as alcohol,” warned road safety consultant Emma Davies. “Sleep disorders left untreated put both drivers and other road users at serious risk.”

The DVLA advises drivers to watch for symptoms of drowsy driving, including:

  • Frequent yawning

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Slower reaction times

  • Struggling to stay in lane

Motorists are urged to stop and rest before continuing their journey, and to take regular breaks every 1.5 to 2 hours when driving long distances.

A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety

The data highlights the urgent need for greater awareness around sleep-related conditions and their impact on driving safety.

Trainers and instructors are also being urged to remind learners about the importance of adequate rest before lessons and tests.

With fatigue now rivalling alcohol impairment on Britain’s roads, experts say better screening and support for drivers with sleep conditions could save lives and licences.