Driving license revocation in Thuringia: Health endangers mobility!
In Weimar Land, only 14 driving licenses were revoked for health reasons in 2024, little compared to other regions in Thuringia.

Driving license revocation in Thuringia: Health endangers mobility!
The question of driving license revocation due to health restrictions is currently being addressed in many cities in Thuringia. In 2024, a total of 739 driving licenses were revoked here, mainly from older people who were found to be unfit to drive a vehicle. This measure does not result from traffic offenses, but rather from the assessment of the municipal driving license authorities, who deny those affected the ability to drive due to illnesses or impaired vision. Thuringia24 reports that the Nordhausen district is at the top with 89 cases, followed by Saalfeld-Rudolstadt (74 cases) and Erfurt (64 cases). In contrast, the numbers in Weimar (12 cases) and in the Weimarer Land (14 cases) are relatively low.
The Interior Ministry has answered a parliamentary question from Left-wing state parliament member Sascha Bilay. This request discloses how medical opinions influence the withdrawal decision. According to information from, many of those affected suffer Car Motor and Sport from disorders of the eye and nervous system as well as other internal diseases. The driving license regulations clearly list diseases that can lead to such a decision. If there are doubts about your fitness to drive, a further assessment can be ordered, with the possibility of having your driving license revoked for a certain period of time or permanently.
Health and mobility
A driving license revocation has far-reaching consequences that go beyond the driving ban. People who rely on their vehicle for work often experience massive restrictions. The legally anchored basis for such withdrawals is the Driving License Ordinance (FeV), and the regulations are clear: In the event of health difficulties, as in the Specialist lawyer are described, safety in road traffic is no longer guaranteed. The costs and bureaucratic hurdles associated with the withdrawal place an additional burden on those affected, from legal fees to fees for reinstatement applications.
In addition, 50 people had their driving licenses revoked because they were considered unfit to drive, for example due to a lack of knowledge of traffic rules or difficulty driving. Driving e-scooters and bicycles has also been banned in 531 cases, mostly due to alcohol or drug consumption. This is a serious matter and highlights the challenges arising from withdrawal decisions.
Controversies and discussions
The discussion about regular driving fitness tests for seniors brings another aspect into play. While the transport minister is sticking to an age limit of 50 for professional drivers, the left is calling for low-threshold, voluntary checks for potentially unsafe drivers. The traffic safety concerns are great here and are also taken into account by the ADAC, which warns against blanket age limits and instead advocates individual, medically based procedures.
Overall, it is clear that the issue of driving license revocation in Thuringia is a complex problem. Here, health, safety and individual mobility are in a difficult area of tension that presents society with major challenges. When it comes to driving, the safety of all road users should always be the top priority, but it remains important to consider alternative solutions and support for those affected.