DELAYS WITH LICENCE RENEWALS CONTINUE

The DVLA is reporting ongoing lengthy delays for postal driver’s licence renewals and applications but has confirmed online applications are not affected. Delays are being faced by some drivers applying to keep the C1 category on their driving licence when they need to renew it after reaching the age of 70.

Being based in Wales, the DVLA has had to work under different and often stricter Covid rules in comparison with other countries in the UK. Industrial action at the organisation has caused further delays, too. Further adding to the issue, over the previous winter period (December 2021 and January 2022), the DVLA’s medical checks were temporarily paused.

A DVLA spokesperson said, “Our online services are working as normal and we ask customers to use these wherever possible. More complex transactions, for example if medical investigations are needed, will take longer. Where we require additional information, such as from a driver’s doctor, we would be wholly reliant on receiving this information before a decision can be made.

“Once a driver has submitted their application, they may be able to continue to drive while we are processing it, provided they have not been told by their doctor or optician they should not drive.

“We have recruited more staff, have increased overtime and opened new customer service centres in Swansea and Birmingham to help reduce waiting times for complex transactions and customers that contact us.”

The DVLA said it is turning most applications around in 10 weeks, but the complexities of medicals that need further investigation may incur a delay.

Drivers should automatically receive a renewal notice three months before their licence expires. They are asked to complete both the D2 and D4 forms and have a medical done by an approved service, such as their GP or a service like d4drivers.uk