For health reasons…
Thousands of drivers in Kazakhstan have lost their licenses: the reasons, what to do
For health reasons…
In Kazakhstan, a large-scale screening of drivers is rapidly intensifying. According to the latest data, medical contraindications have been detected in 21,000 motorists, and 7.4 thousand driver's licenses have already been annulled through the courts.
Why thousands of drivers were left without licenses: how the screening works
The Ministry of Healthcare and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan have launched a joint digital algorithm that cross-references databases. The departments are targeting those who simultaneously hold a valid license and have medical contraindications.
As of September 4, 2026, the digital exchange has identified more than 21,000 cases of potentially dangerous driving. At the same time, 2,246 people have already been removed from the dispensary register — their condition has improved or the diagnosis has been overturned.
However, over 13,000 drivers are awaiting court proceedings. To date, courts have already ruled on 7,400 licenses — they have been annulled.
Diagnosis ≠ loss of license: legal subtleties
The Ministry of Healthcare emphasizes that having a chronic illness does not automatically mean the loss of a license. The termination of a driver's license due to medical contraindications is possible only in strict accordance with the law.
The process is as follows:
1. Doctors identify a contraindication and pass the information to the police.
2. The police file a lawsuit in court.
3. The court makes the final decision — to terminate the license or to deny the petition.
It is important to understand: if the health condition does not affect the safety of operating a vehicle, the court may allow the driver to keep the license.
List of contraindications: what is strictly prohibited
Order of the Ministry of Healthcare No. 853 clearly defines absolute contraindications to driving. These are conditions in which a person is physically incapable of safely operating a vehicle:
● epilepsy;
● complete blindness in both eyes;
● severe mental disorders;
● addiction to psychoactive substances.
But this is only part of the list. For each category of license — A, B, C, D — there are specific requirements and degrees of restriction.
Glasses, hearing aids, automatic transmission: who is allowed to drive?
Many drivers mistakenly believe that any health problems automatically prohibit driving. This is not the case. Relative contraindications allow driving under certain conditions:
● Poor vision — driving is permitted with glasses or contact lenses, provided that visual acuity meets the standards.
● Hearing problems — the use of hearing aids and special technical devices is allowed.
● Musculoskeletal system — driving a car with an automatic transmission or an adapted vehicle with manual controls is permitted.
Thus, the decision depends on the severity of the pathology and the possibility of its correction.
Statistics show a sharp increase in the number of driver's license terminations. For comparison:
● December 2025: 1,787 driver's licenses annulled (4,540 lawsuits filed);
● September 2026: 7,400 licenses annulled (more than 13,000 lawsuits filed).
This means that tighter control is yielding results — the number of court decisions has increased fourfold in a matter of months.
The work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Healthcare is aimed at reducing road accidents. The main task is to protect all road users.