The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has confirmed that motorists requiring medical assessments for vocational driving licences face average processing times of almost two months. The latest figures show that decisions are taking 55.8 days, following a peak of nearly 65 days in August 2026.
The update, provided to Parliament by transport minister Justin Madders, concerns Group 2 licences for lorries, heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches. According to the Mirror, approximately 280,000 HGV drivers work across the UK, while more than two million people have a medical condition recorded with the DVLA.
Medical Assessments Extend Licence Processing Times
The figures emerged after Richard Holden, Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, asked the Department for Transport to provide monthly processing times for vocational licence applications involving medical assessments. His question covered both new applications and renewals from 4 July 2024 onwards.
In a written parliamentary response dated 22 October, Madders provided figures showing that average decision times reached nearly 65 days in August 2026. That was almost 30 days longer than at certain points during 2025.
The latest average of 55.8 days represents an improvement on August, although it remains higher than every month of 2025 except one, when the same figure was recorded. It is also the third-highest monthly average reported for 2026.
The distinction between ordinary applications and those requiring medical checks is considerable. Straightforward vocational licence applications are normally processed within ten working days, according to the Department for Transport.
Group 2 drivers must meet stricter medical standards than Group 1 motorists, whose licences cover cars and motorcycles. Group 2 licences are generally valid for a maximum of five years, subject to age-related restrictions, and require annual renewal from age 65. Shorter licences may also be issued for medical reasons.
Drivers must inform the DVLA when they develop a notifiable medical condition or when an existing condition deteriorates. These conditions can include diabetes, epilepsy and glaucoma.
Government Outlines Measures To Reduce Waiting Times
The Department for Transport has acknowledged that applications involving medical conditions can take longer because decisions frequently require information from external sources.
Responding to parliamentary questions, Madders explained: “Applications where a medical condition must be assessed before a licence can be issued can take longer to process as the DVLA is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals.”
According to the Mirror, the government has introduced four measures intended to reduce delays affecting drivers with medical conditions.
These include a trial of text message notifications for certain applicants, a new casework system and the recruitment of additional staff. A digital medical services portal has also been developed to support applications involving approximately 1,600 medical conditions.
The measures were outlined following questions from Catherine Fookes MP about processing times for new vocational licence applications and renewals. She also sought information about the potential benefits of moving to a fully digital application system.
Madders confirmed that the DVLA intends to improve online services for vocational drivers but has not established a timetable for a fully digital system. In a separate update, the minister reported that the average time to reach a licensing decision in medical cases during 2026/27 stood at 62.3 working days.
The delays remain a concern for vocational drivers awaiting renewal decisions, particularly where uncertainty over their licence affects their ability to continue driving.
