Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his her Department taking to ensure all driving licence applications are processed in a timely manner.

Specific information on the average time to process driving licence applications where the applicant is over the age of 70 and applied online is not available. The table below shows the average number of working days taken to process non-medical driving licence applications made online between January and 14 April 2026.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days following a successful online application.

However, driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer as in the interests of road safety the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued.

The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of driving licence applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and has launched a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA has also launched a new digital medical services portal. These enhancements, along with the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.