Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what delays there are, if any, in processing driving licence (1) applications, and (2) renewals, at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for or renew a driving licence is by using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online service. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their licence within a few days.

However, many people still choose or have to make a paper application and the DVLA receives around 60,000 items of mail every day. There are currently delays in processing paper applications. To help reduce waiting times for paper driving licence applications and renewals, the DVLA has introduced additional online services, recruited more staff, increased overtime working and has secured extra office space in Swansea and Birmingham. The latest information on turnaround times for paper driving licence applications can be found on GOV.UK.

Applications where the driver has a medical condition that must be investigated before a licence can be issued will take longer.