Dithering DVLA

sir – I agree wholeheartedly with Chris Warriner’s criticisms of the DVLA (Letters, 20 June).

It seems to have shut up shop altogether. My son was about to complete his driving lessons and sit his test; now, at best, he will only be able to do his theory test and there is no indication when test centres will reopen so he can get on the road.

I’m waiting to have my own application for restoration of my licence (voluntarily surrendered for medical reasons) determined, but am told on the DVLA website that because I am not a key worker my application will not be processed “until further notice”. Not so long ago, the DVLA was the subject of a scathing report from the Parliamentary Ombudsman. It seems to have learnt nothing.

Jane Smith

Edinburgh

sir – My niece works at the DVLA. Due to social distancing, employees have to work in rotation, which means that the department is understaffed.

While the people who work there are not put in the same danger as those on the front line, they do have to deal with the effects of Covid-19. Thousands of people have died in the most tragic circumstances. These figures are brought home to the people who work at the DVLA each day, as they deal with all the driving licences of the deceased.

There is a mountain of paperwork and a reduced staff. It is very frustrating for those who can’t register a vehicle in these exceptional times, but it may help to understand why. Rita Lewis

Cardiff