The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has confirmed it will implement what it describes as a "significant" change for motorists with medical conditions, with a new system scheduled to become operational from March 2026. This development emerged during parliamentary proceedings in the House of Commons, where concerns about processing delays were formally raised.
Parliamentary Question Sparks DVLA Response
The issue came to light when Alberto Costa, the Conservative Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire, submitted a written question to the Secretary of State for Transport. Mr Costa specifically inquired about "what steps her Department is taking to reduce delays in reinstating driving licences following medical clearance."
In response, Simon Lightwood, the Labour MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, provided detailed information about the DVLA's current challenges and forthcoming improvements. He acknowledged that applications involving medical conditions "can take longer as they vary widely in complexity" and explained that the agency often depends on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before licences can be issued.
New System Promises Multiple Improvements
The centrepiece of the DVLA's response is a completely new casework system that is currently being rolled out and is scheduled to become fully operational in March 2026. According to the parliamentary response, this system is expected to deliver "significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions."
When fully implemented, the new system promises:
- Improved turnaround times for medical licence applications
- Increased processing capacity
- Higher levels of automation
- Enhanced digital functionality
- More digital communication options
Additional Support Measures
Alongside the system overhaul, the DVLA is taking additional steps to improve customer service. The agency is increasing staffing levels in its contact centre specifically "to reduce call waiting times and to support customers." This dual approach of technological improvement and human resource enhancement aims to address the issue from multiple angles.
The parliamentary response also clarified an important point for existing licence holders: "Applicants renewing an existing licence may be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing the driver can meet specific criteria."
Digital Services Expansion
This announcement comes as the DVLA continues to promote its digital Drivers and Vehicles Account service, which allows motorists to manage various aspects of their driving records online. Through this service, drivers can:
- View their complete driving record
- Check which vehicles they are licensed to drive
- Review penalty points or disqualifications
- Update their address on their driving licence
The service also facilitates specific functions such as renewing driving licences for those aged 70 or over, exchanging paper driving licences for photocard versions, and creating licence 'check codes' to share driving records with third parties like car hire companies. For HGV drivers, the system provides access to Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and tachograph details.
This comprehensive approach to digital transformation, combined with the specific focus on improving medical licence processing, represents a substantial step forward in modernising the UK's driver licensing system and addressing long-standing concerns about administrative delays affecting drivers with health conditions.
