Roads & Policy · Wales
DVLA expands online medical-notification service for drivers
DVLA says its expanded service can help drivers tell it about medical conditions and, for some applications, cut processing time compared with paper forms.
Drivers who need to tell DVLA about a medical condition can now use an expanded online service, with the agency saying some applications can be processed up to 10 days faster than paper forms.
DVLA says drivers can use GOV.UK to check how around 1,600 medical conditions may affect driving and, where required, notify the agency online. It says demand for applications from customers with medical conditions is currently exceptionally high.
For many customers, the online route can reduce processing times, while DVLA says it can take the first action on some applications, including a referral to a healthcare professional, within 24 hours. The service is available around the clock and lets applicants track progress online.
The expansion also means drivers with multiple medical conditions can renew a driving licence online for the first time, according to DVLA. Medical-licence holders can renew both their medical driving licence and photo at the same time.
DVLA says more than 60,000 drivers have used its enhanced online medical service and that digital uptake has grown by almost 50% over the past year. Further online medical-notification journeys are planned this year for people renewing at age 70, first-time provisional applicants and customers whose licences were surrendered or revoked.
What this means for Wales
The service is a UK-wide DVLA change, so drivers in Wales who need to report a relevant medical condition can check the official guidance and use the online route where it applies. The announcement concerns the way an application or notification can be made; drivers should still use GOV.UK to check whether their condition needs to be reported.
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