Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department plans to take to revert to the system for renewing driving licences that was in use prior to the covid-19 outbreak, including the process used for (a) renewing and (b) reapplying for a short-term medical licence.

The process for renewing driving licences, including for those with medical conditions, has not changed.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) online services have been available throughout the pandemic and are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence.

Paper renewal applications will take longer. Ongoing industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services union, fewer operational staff on site at the DVLA to allow for social distancing in line with Welsh Government requirements and an increased demand for services has led to delays in dealing with paper applications.

The DVLA has recently trialed a simplified renewal process for some medical conditions. This has significantly reduced turnaround times for some drivers. However, there will be further delays if the DVLA requires further medical information from NHS health care staff before it can make a licensing decision.