Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the backlog in online driving licence renewal applications on drivers whose licences expired after 31 December 2020 who have not benefited from an 11 month extension to their licences; and if he will introduce a further extension for driving licences which expired after 31 December 2020.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online service is the quickest and easiest way to apply for a driving licence. Successful applications are processed immediately, and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days.

The DVLA sends renewal reminder forms to customers two months before licences are due to expire to ensure drivers know when they need to apply to renew their licence. These will also be sent to drivers whose licences were extended by 11 months, allowing drivers time to make their renewal application and the forms can also be used to renew a licence online or at a post office. There are no plans for further extensions to driving licence validity.