Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to increase the speed at which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency processes driving licence renewals.

The quickest way to transact with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is by using its online services. The DVLA’s target is to dispatch 95 per cent of straightforward online driving licence applications within three working days and 90 per cent of paper applications within ten working days.

The DVLA’s target for driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated is to make a decision on average within 50 working days. In the interests of road safety, the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued.

The DVLA has seen an increase in both the volume and complexity of medical driving licence applications, which has increased waiting times for some people. To improve its services, the DVLA has introduced a new casework system, and a new medical services portal, so more people can now apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicles account.

These enhancements alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with these applications and answer telephone calls are delivering real improvements in services and turnaround times for customers.