Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to reduce delays in processing driving licence applications.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to apply for and renew a driving licence. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days. There are also no delays in straightforward paper driving licence applications which are being processed within normal turnaround times.

The DVLA has seen sustained growth in the volume and complexity of driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated before a licence can be issued and these applications can take longer. The length of time taken often depends on the condition(s) involved and whether further information is required from third parties, for example doctors or other healthcare professionals, before a licence can be issued.

To improve its services to customers, the DVLA has introduced a new casework system and launched a new medical services portal, so the majority of customers can now apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicles account. This was launched on 31 March 2026.

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.