DVLA makes record number of medical decisions as motorists face £1,000 driving licence fine

In the UK, drivers can be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to disclose a medical condition that affects their ability to get behind the wheel.

Earlier this month, Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, asked the Transport Secretary whether the Department for Transport has assessed seasonal trends in licence processing through the DVLA.

This included the number and type of decisions, length of time to respond and delays in decision-making, as well as whether any assessment and how the DVLA ensures prompt responses to the public.

In response, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood shared: "The DVLA's online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence. Customers should receive their driving licence within a few days following a successful online application.

"Driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated before a licence can be issued can take longer as they vary widely in complexity and the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued."

Medical decisions are conducted by DVLA officials to assess a driver's fitness and include a questionnaire, a CDT blood test, and any other tests which may be relevant, such as an eye and hearing examination.

One of the biggest complaints drivers have raised is the slow process from disclosing conditions to confirmation whether they can keep driving on UK roads.

Motorists can check their medical conditions via the DVLA website to find out the specific requirements.

If drivers find their condition on the list, they should seek a medical opinion, which could include an assessment of fitness to drive.

In addition to medical requirements, drivers over the age of 70 need to renew their driving licence and do so every three years.

Under new proposals unveiled in January, older drivers could be required to undertake mandatory eyesight tests to ensure their vision remains in roadworthy condition.

To help drivers better manage medical conditions and communication with the DVLA, the agency revealed it would introduce a new digital service from April, enabling motorists to report health issues and renew their licences entirely online.

The platform will be accessible through the DVLA's "Driver and vehicles account" with the move aimed at streamlining the renewal process.

Mr Lightwood added that the new casework system will deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions.

A DVLA spokesperson said: "All drivers must meet the medical standards for fitness to drive at all times when driving and notify DVLA of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting this.

"When considering an application to issue a driving licence, we aim to make a decision as quickly as possible.

"However, where we require additional information from a driver or a medical professional involved in their care, we will be wholly reliant on receiving this information before a decision can be made."