Nearly 5,000 Drivers Denied Licences Over Poor Eyesight – DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has revealed that 4,896 drivers were denied licences in 2025 after failing mandatory eye examinations, highlighting the importance of vision screening in promoting road safety across Ghana.

According to the Authority, the affected applicants were diagnosed with vision-related conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and refractive errors, making them medically unfit to operate vehicles.

Data from the DVLA indicates that 251,117 commercial and private drivers underwent compulsory eye screening at accredited centres nationwide. Of this number, 218,471 applicants, representing 87 per cent, successfully passed the assessment, while 32,645 initially failed.

Many of those who failed the first screening were later cleared to drive after receiving treatment or corrective measures, including prescription lenses. However, 4,896 applicants ultimately failed to meet the required medical standards and were therefore denied licences.

The Director of Driver Training, Testing and Licensing at the DVLA, Kafui Semevo, said the eye screening programme has uncovered several hidden health conditions among drivers, including cataracts and vision complications linked to hypertension.

He explained that many motorists only became aware of their eye conditions during the mandatory examinations, while others were able to secure licences after undergoing treatment and obtaining medical clearance.

Mr. Semevo further disclosed that research conducted by the Optometry Department of University of Cape Coast identified cases of drivers with single vision, with about 10 such cases initially recorded at the DVLA’s Greater Accra Regional Office during the early stages of the reform programme.

According to him, drivers with irreversible visual impairments had their licences revoked in line with existing regulations, while those with treatable conditions had their licences suspended until they were certified medically fit to drive.

The DVLA is currently working with the University of Cape Coast and the Ghana Optometric Association to evaluate the impact of the reforms and strengthen enforcement.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the DVLA-GOA Eye Care Reforms Project and Head of the Eye Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Remi Ninkpe, has advised drivers against self-medication and the use of unprescribed eye drops or glasses, stressing the need for regular eye examinations.

As Ghana moves to expand its transport sector, including plans for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, authorities say strict vision screening will remain a key measure in reducing road accidents and improving public safety.

By: Paulina Armah/ Radio1.