DVLA issues update on driving licences amid severe delays

The DVLA has issued an update on its processing times for driving licences and log books as it continues to struggle with huge delays.

As the agency works through the huge backlog of applications caused by the Covid pandemic, it has informed drivers that they may still be able to drive while awaiting for their licence application to be processed.

According to the DVLA, those who applied for a new licence online will already be in the application process since there are no delays with online transactions.

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Because of this, the agency is actively encouraging motorists to use its online services to minimise delays.

The DVLA warned that those who still want to use a paper application will have to wait for longer due to the impact of Covid safety measures and industrial action.

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Delays may also be more severe for complex applications such as those needing a medical investigation as part of their licence.

To help those wanting to apply for a licence the old fashioned way, however, the DVLA has updated its processing dates for paper applications.

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If an application was sent after the dates listed below, it will not have yet been processed.

The DVLA’s updated processing dates for paper applications:

• Renew a driving licence with a new photo – November 9th 2021.
• Apply for a first provisional driving licence with UK identity – November 8th 2021.
• Renew a driving licence if you’re seventy or over or after disqualification or revocation – November 9th 2021.
• Apply for a first vocational driving licence – January 27th 2022.
• Renew a vocational driving licence – January 27th 2022.
• Apply for a driving licence with non-UK identity – November 8th 2021.
• Apply for or renew a tachograph card – January 27th 2022.
• Apply to change your name or address on your driving licence – November 9th 2021.
• Tell DVLA about the sale of a vehicle – January 24th 2022.
• Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) changes – January 21st 2022.
• Apply for a replacement V5C log book – January 7th 2022.
• Register a vehicle for the first time (including previously used and imports) – January 20th 2022.
• Retain or assign a vehicle registration number – January 24th 2022.