DVLA Rejects Nearly 5,000 Driver’s License Applicants Over Failed Eye Tests in 2025

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has revealed that 4,896 individuals were denied driver’s licenses in 2025 after failing mandatory eye examinations. This development underscores a critical intersection between public health and road safety in Ghana, as the authority intensifies efforts to ensure that only persons with adequate visual acuity are permitted behind the wheel. Out of a total of 251,117 applicants screened throughout the year, the vast majority—approximately 87 percent—passed their tests on the first attempt, while thousands of others required medical intervention to meet the required standards.

Detailed statistics from the screening process show that 218,471 applicants were successful initially. However, the examinations also served as a vital health diagnostic tool, identifying serious conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts among the applicant pool. Through subsequent medical treatment and corrective measures, an additional 24,483 individuals were eventually able to qualify for their licenses. Kafui Semevo of the DVLA emphasized that these screenings are not merely administrative hurdles but essential safeguards designed to identify underlying eye issues that could lead to catastrophic accidents on the nation’s highways.

In addition to the screening results, the DVLA is currently exploring policy reforms that could modernize licensing standards in Ghana. This includes ongoing discussions regarding whether to allow individuals with 'single vision' to operate private vehicles, though strict restrictions are expected to remain for commercial drivers. To ensure these changes are grounded in scientific evidence, the DVLA is collaborating with the University of Cape Coast and the Ghana Optometric Association to evaluate the impact of such reforms on road safety. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to balance inclusivity with the paramount need for public security.

Health and security experts have also used the findings to advocate for better ocular hygiene and professional care. Police Superintendent Dr. Remi Ninkpe cautioned the public against the dangers of self-medication and using unprescribed eyewear, which can exacerbate existing conditions. As the DVLA continues to refine its licensing processes, the 2025 data serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of visual impairments in the population and the ongoing necessity of rigorous medical standards to reduce the carnage on Ghanaian roads.