DVLA Licence Renewal Delays Hit Drivers With Medical Conditions, June 10

Drivers with medical conditions are facing months-long delays when renewing their driving licences through the DVLA. Data shows 213,000 medical decisions took longer than 60 working days in 2023, while 55,854 drivers waited over six months. The DVLA’s target of 50 working days was missed, leaving older motorists and those with conditions like diabetes and epilepsy in limbo.

How Long Are Drivers Actually Waiting

In 2023, the DVLA made 723,126 medical decisions for drivers, down from 863,431 in 2022. More than 213,000 of these decisions took longer than 60 working days to complete. A further 55,854 drivers had to wait longer than six months for a decision. The DVLA’s 2025-2026 Business Plan set a target for average medical decision times of 50 working days, but new data shows drivers are waiting longer than this target.

Why Medical Licence Checks Matter

Drivers must inform the DVLA if they develop a notifiable medical condition or if an existing condition worsens. Notifiable conditions include diabetes, fainting, heart conditions and epilepsy. Failing to report a condition that impacts driving ability can result in a £1,000 fine or prosecution if involved in an accident. Drivers have complained about the system being too slow, with some reporting months-long waits for updates.

The System Stuck in Manual Mode

The DVLA relies heavily on postal letters rather than faster digital systems to process medical decisions. Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, described the DVLA as being stuck in manual mode. One driver, Glenda Edwards, applied for a new licence in January after declaring glaucoma, but was later told by her doctor she did not have the condition. Despite this, she remained in the queue waiting for a decision.

What Comes Next

The DVLA’s 2025-2026 Business Plan stated it would maintain collaboration with medical professionals and make decisions as promptly as possible. However, the agency has not announced specific steps to clear the backlog or speed up processing. Older motorists face the greatest risk of being forced off the road while waiting for medical clearance to drive.

Final Thoughts

The DVLA is failing to meet its own 50-day target for medical licence decisions, leaving drivers in limbo for months. With over 213,000 cases exceeding 60 working days in 2023, the agency needs faster digital systems to prevent safe drivers from losing their licences.

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