Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to eliminate the backlog in issuing driving licences; and when they estimate that the backlog will be cleared.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days. However, many people still choose or have to make a paper application for a driving licence. The latest information on DVLA services and the turnaround times for paper driving licence applications can be found on GOV.UK.

The DVLA has introduced additional online services, recruited more staff and has secured extra office space in Swansea and Birmingham to help reduce waiting times while providing future resilience and business continuity.

The DVLA understands the impact that delays can have on people’s everyday lives and continues to work as quickly as possible to process paper applications and return people’s documentation to them.

In October, the DVLA’s primary focus was on reducing the vocational licensing queue to support tackling the HGV driver shortage. This has been successful with vocational applications now back to normal turnaround times despite a significant increase in applications. The remaining queues are reducing and customers will see an improving picture in terms of turnaround times over the next few months.