New DVLA data has revealed that more than 140,000 UK licence holders are currently banned from driving – that’s one in every 374 drivers. Even more concerning, the number of banned motorists has risen by 4% since 2021, showing that more people are losing their licences than ever before. At one in every 210 drivers disqualified, Liverpool has taken the top spot as the UK’s ‘banned driver capital’, knocking Bradford off last year’s top position.
We Investigated the UK’s Banned Driver Hotspots
At Dayinsure, we submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVLA to uncover which areas have the highest proportion of banned drivers. We then compared this with licence holder data to see where drivers are most at risk of disqualification.
The UK’s Top 10 Banned Driver Hotspots (2025):
1.Liverpool – 1 in 210 drivers banned (3,154 people)
2.Bradford – 1 in 210 drivers banned (2,159 people)
3.Teesside – 1 in 213 drivers banned (2,207 people)
4.Llandudno – 1 in 244 drivers banned (1,737 people)
5.Wakefield – 1 in 248 drivers banned (1,691 people)
6.Blackburn – 1 in 251 drivers banned (1,577 people)
7.Leeds – 1 in 253 drivers banned (2,457 people)
8.Oldham – 1 in 254 drivers banned (1,470 people)
9.Sunderland – 1 in 255 drivers banned (713 people)
10.Halifax – 1 in 264 drivers banned (485 people)
While Liverpool has the highest proportion of banned drivers, London has the highest overall number, with 18,570 disqualified motorists. However, due to the capital’s large population, that’s still below the national average, with just 1 in 510 drivers banned.
Why Are So Many Drivers Losing Their Licences?
Drivers can be banned from the road for various reasons, including:
- Racking up 12+ points on their licence
- Being convicted of serious driving offences
- Driving dangerously or recklessly
The length of a driving ban depends on the offence, ranging from six months to two years or more. In some cases, drivers must retake their test before they can legally drive again.
Drive Safe & Stay Insured
At Dayinsure, we know how important it is to drive safely and responsibly. With more motorists losing their licences, it’s a reminder for all of us to take extra care on the road and stay protected with the right insurance.
Nicholas Shaw, Managing Director at Dayinsure, commented on the research:
“While the vast majority of UK motorists comply with the law, it is still alarming to see that so many motorists have been disqualified from driving due to dangerous and careless driving.
“The data highlights how vital it is for motorists to take extra care and attention when driving, as you never know what other road users might be doing – you sadly cannot just assume that others will drive as carefully as you would.
“Our final piece of advice would be to ensure that you are fully insured in case worse comes to worse and you are involved in an accident.”
Dayinsure has you covered!
If you ever need flexible, short-term car insurance, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s for a day, a week, or just a few hours, our temporary car insurance is quick, easy, and hassle-free. Get a quote and stay covered with Dayinsure today!
Sources & Methodology
- Freedom of Information request submitted to the DVLA in January 2025, and information received in January 2025.
- Freedom of Information request submitted to the DVLA in February 2024, and information received in March 2024.
Data received included:
- The number of driving licence holders in each postcode area
- The number of banned drivers in each postcode area
Number of licence holders and the number of banned drivers used to work out the percentage of banned drivers.
Data correct as of 14th December 2024, and 3rd February 2024.
Previous studies suggested that around 135,000 motorists were banned from driving in in 2021: https://www.billplant.co.uk/blog/disqualified-drivers/
