Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure HGV licence applications are processed within DVLA target times, in cases where drivers may lose their job if the licence is delayed.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) seeks to process all driving licence applications as quickly as possible. However, in the interests of road safety, licences can only be issued once the required medical standards are met.

Medical standards for lorry and bus drivers (Group 2) are significantly higher than those for car and motorcycle drivers (Group 1), reflecting the size and weight of these vehicles and the length of time professional drivers typically spend at the wheel. Where a medical condition needs to be assessed, applications may take longer to process, as the DVLA is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals. Where drivers indicate that their licence is required for employment, applications are prioritised where possible.

The DVLA has seen a sustained increase in both the volume and complexity of medical licence applications. In 2024/25, more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions were made, with over 925,000 medical applications and notifications forecast for 2025/26. This increase has led to longer waiting times for some customers.

To improve performance and service levels, the DVLA is enhancing its digital services and introducing a new casework system to support medical licensing. This is being complemented by the recruitment of additional staff to process applications and handle customer enquiries, which will deliver improvements for drivers with medical conditions.