Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what system is in place to organise and trace applications submitted to the DVLA; and if he will make a statement.

On 9 March 2022, the total number of paper applications awaiting processing at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) was 898,673. This is a significant reduction from the peak of 1.6 million in September 2021. It is important to note that the DVLA normally has around 400,000 paper applications awaiting processing at any one time as the DVLA receives around 60,000 items of mail and thousands of new applications each day.

The quickest and easiest way to transact with the DVLA is by using its extensive suite of online services. There are no delays in successful online applications and customers should receive their documents within a few days.

However, many people still choose or have to make a paper application. To help reduce waiting times for paper applications, the DVLA has introduced additional online services, recruited more staff, increased overtime working and has secured extra office space in Swansea and Birmingham. These measures are having a positive impact and customers should continue to see an improving picture in terms of waiting times for paper applications. Applications where the driver has a medical condition that must be investigated before a licence can be issued will take longer.

Paper applications sent to the DVLA are organised using more than 30 post codes to differentiate between different types of application. These are kept separate and are processed in the order in which they are received. This aids the DVLA in trying to locate an application if necessary.