The DVLA has expanded its online service, allowing car and motorcycle licence holders to notify the agency of a wider range of medical conditions. The move means drivers can now save up to 10 days compared with paper applications, according to the DVLA.
Drivers can visit GOV.UK to check how around 1,600 medical conditions may affect their driving and, where required, notify the DVLA online. The service is available 24/7 and allows applicants to track their progress.
What the new service offers
Matt Crole-Rees, car insurance expert at Confused.com, described the update as “welcome news” for people who have previously had to wait a long time for a medical decision. He said: “The service is available around the clock and lets you track your application as it progresses, so there's far more visibility than the old paper route.”
“Drivers with more than one condition can now also sort everything in one go, even renewing their licence and updating their photo at the same time, which takes a lot of the hassle out of the process,” he added.
Insurance implications and expert advice
Mr Crole-Rees said the recent DVLA update was only “half the story”, reiterating the issues that could arise if someone fails to tell the DVLA about their condition. He added: “You're also legally responsible for declaring it to your car insurer. If you're not upfront with them about your medical history, it could invalidate your policy, or in some cases even put you on the Insurance Fraud Register.”
“If you're worried about the cost, having a medical condition doesn't always mean more expensive premiums, and depending on your circumstances, it might not affect your policy at all,” he said.
DVLA response and take-up
Tim Moss CBE, DVLA Chief Executive, said: “More than 60,000 drivers have already switched to our online medical service, saving time, avoiding paperwork and benefiting from a faster application process.”
“Customers can save up to 10 days by applying online rather than by post. As well as making applications quicker and easier, drivers using the service have collectively avoided tens of thousands of pounds in postage costs,” he added.
“With 24/7 access and the ability to track progress online, we’re making it simpler than ever for people to manage their driving licence in a way that works for them,” Moss concluded.
