Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that a backlog of driving licence renewal applications does not occur as the extension to expiry dates comes to an end.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services have been available and unaffected throughout the pandemic and are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence. However, many people still choose or have to apply for their driving licence using a paper application. The DVLA receives around 60,000 items of mail every day which must be dealt with in person.

The DVLA has had a reduced number of operational staff on site to allow for social distancing, in line with Welsh Government requirements, but has leased an additional building to accommodate more operational staff. The DVLA has also extended the opening hours of its contact centre.

The DVLA sends renewal reminder forms to customers two months before licences are due to expire to ensure drivers know when they need to apply to renew their licence. This allows drivers time to make their renewal application and the forms can also be used to renew a licence online or at a post office.