Drivers with certain medical conditions can now use an online DVLA service instead of filling in paper forms, potentially cutting the wait for a decision by up to 10 days. The digital service has been expanded to cover a wider range of medical conditions and allows drivers to check how around 1,600 conditions could affect their ability to drive.
Expanded online service
More than 60,000 motorists have already used the enhanced online service, according to the DVLA. With the licensing agency currently dealing with exceptionally high demand for medical applications, going online could make a significant difference to the time some drivers have to wait.
The DVLA says some applications can be processed up to 10 days faster online than through paper applications. In many cases, it can also take the first action on an application - such as referring a driver to a healthcare professional – within 24 hours.
Benefits for drivers with multiple conditions
The service is available around the clock, seven days a week, and motorists can track the progress of their application online. The expansion is particularly significant for drivers with more than one medical condition. For the first time, they can renew their driving licence online where they have multiple medical conditions.
Drivers with a medical licence can also renew their licence and driving licence photograph at the same time, reducing the need for separate applications and paperwork. The DVLA says use of its digital medical service has increased by almost 50% over the past year.
Official comments and future plans
Roads Minister Justin Madders said drivers needed to be able to report medical conditions "quickly and easily". He said he understood motorists' frustration and had been working with the DVLA to improve its services. The minister added that the online system was making it easier for drivers to report medical conditions and helping to make roads safer.
DVLA chief executive Tim Moss said more than 60,000 drivers had already moved to the online service. He said motorists could save up to 10 days compared with applying by post, while collectively avoiding tens of thousands of pounds in postage costs.
Further changes are planned later this year. These will allow more people to include medical notifications when completing other driving-licence transactions, including motorists renewing their licence at 70, first-time provisional licence applicants and people whose licence was previously surrendered or revoked. The DVLA stresses that motorists should check whether they are required to report their particular medical condition.
