The DVLA is introducing four measures to improve driving licence renewals for motorists with medical conditions, as growing application numbers continue to cause delays.
The changes come as the agency takes an average of 62.3 working days to make licensing decisions in medical cases during the 2026/27 financial year so far. This is equivalent to around three calendar months, potentially leaving some drivers facing uncertainty over their right to drive while waiting for a decision.
The Department for Transport has confirmed that the DVLA is taking steps to improve processing times and keep applicants better informed throughout the process.
Four changes introduced by the DVLA
The DVLA has started trialling text message notifications for drivers who have agreed to receive updates this way. The aim is to improve communication and help applicants stay informed about the progress of their medical licence applications.
A new casework system has been introduced to improve how medical driving licence applications are handled. The DVLA expects the system to help streamline the process and deliver a better service for drivers with medical conditions.
The agency has launched a digital medical services portal supporting applications covering around 1,600 medical conditions. Recent improvements have also been made to services for provisional licence applicants and motorists renewing their licences at age 70 or over.
The DVLA is recruiting extra staff to help manage the rising number of applications. The additional resources are intended to ease pressure on the service, reduce waiting times and improve the speed at which licensing decisions are made.
Why medical licence renewals are taking longer
The DVLA has reported an increase in both the number and complexity of applications involving medical conditions. Some cases require further investigations or additional information from GPs and other healthcare professionals before a decision can be reached.
Drivers who hold short-term medical licences may be particularly concerned about delays, as they must renew their licences at regular intervals. The DVLA sends reminders 90 days before expiry for these licences, while standard ten-year photocard renewals and vocational licence reminders are generally sent 56 days in advance.
The agency says it will continue writing to applicants when action is required on their cases, including when further medical information is needed.
The four measures are intended to improve communication, modernise medical application processing and increase the resources available to deal with demand. However, drivers with medical conditions should allow plenty of time for renewal and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
