The DVLA is facing a significant backlog in processing medical driving licenses, with delays prompting urgent calls for reform. Processing times exceeded 14 weeks in February 2026, affecting countless applicants.
Simon Lightwood expressed regret for those impacted by the delays, stating, “I am sorry to all those who have been impacted by the delays.” The DVLA has acknowledged the challenges stemming from an increase in applications that require medical checks.
As of April 2026, the average time for a medical case licensing decision fell to 56.6 working days. However, many still face longer wait times. Vikki Slade criticized the DVLA’s slow response, saying, “The DVLA is stuck in manual whilst the rest of us are on automatic.” She highlighted disparities in processing times between standard licenses and medical renewals.
The DVLA has taken steps to address these issues. They have hired 43 more medical caseworkers to help manage the demand. Additionally, they introduced new technology aimed at streamlining the processing of driving license applications.
Key statistics:
- The DVLA processed 498,780 contacts through its chatbot without human intervention in FY26.
- The contact center handled 964,576 queries via webchat during the same period.
- The average handling time for webchat inquiries was about 90 seconds quicker than phone inquiries.
Despite improvements, a DVLA spokesperson noted that they are experiencing exceptionally high demand for applications from customers with medical conditions. This has regrettably impacted some processing times.
The online portal for reporting new medical conditions opened on March 31, 2026. This digital service aims to reduce bottlenecks but hasn’t fully alleviated the backlog yet.
As reform discussions continue, officials have not provided a clear timeline for when applicants can expect improvements. The DVLA’s efforts to modernize its processes may shape future customer experiences.