The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is taking steps to address delays affecting motorists whose licence applications require medical assessments. The changes include a new casework system, a digital medical services portal, text message trials and additional staff.
The measures follow growing concerns about drivers who must renew their licences regularly because of medical conditions. With decisions taking an average of 62.3 working days in 2026/27, questions have been raised in Parliament about whether applicants receive sufficient notice before their licences expire.
Four Measures Introduced As Medical Licence Applications Increase
According to the Mirror, transport minister Justin Madders outlined the measures in a parliamentary response on Wednesday, 14 October, following a question from Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire. Maguire had asked what the Department for Transport was doing to prevent interruptions to driving entitlements for motorists required to renew their licences annually.
Madders confirmed that the DVLA was experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of applications involving one or more medical conditions. The agency has launched a new casework system intended to improve the handling of medical licensing applications. A separate digital medical services portal now supports applications relating to around 1,600 medical conditions.
Further improvements have recently been introduced for provisional licence applicants and motorists renewing their licences aged 70 or over. The DVLA has also begun trialling text message updates for drivers who have consented to receive communications through that method. Additional employees have been recruited to help process applications.
Medical investigations can take longer when officials need information from doctors or other healthcare professionals before reaching a licensing decision. Madders said the changes would deliver improvements in customer services and turnaround times, although the reported average processing period remains 62.3 working days.
More Than 2.1 Million Drivers Have Medical Conditions Recorded
According to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by Marshall Motor Group, 2,175,859 full or provisional licence holders in Great Britain had a medical condition recorded with the DVLA in May 2026.
That compares with 1,849,423 in May 2024, representing an increase of 326,436, or 17.7%, over two years. Diabetes was the most frequently recorded condition among Group 1 licence holders between 1 January and 28 May 2026, with 63,473 cases. Pacemakers accounted for 18,516 records, followed by glaucoma with 16,551 and epilepsy with 14,711.
Medical conditions do not automatically prevent motorists from driving. The DVLA may issue short-term licences lasting one, two, three or five years where continued medical assessment is necessary.
According to GOV.UK guidance, the DVLA sends renewal reminders 90 days before short-term medical licences expire. Motorists aged 70 or over also receive reminders 90 days before expiry. Drivers may be permitted to continue driving while their applications are being considered, provided they meet the applicable legal and medical requirements.
The DVLA advises motorists to check the relevant guidance and consult their doctor when determining whether they can continue driving during a medical investigation. Drivers must also notify the agency when they develop a notifiable medical condition or an existing condition worsens. Failure to disclose a condition affecting safe driving can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
