The DVLA is adding a number of options to the online portal

DVLA announces expansion of online driving services – including medical updates

Paul JonesSeptember 1, 20260 Comment0

ONLINE services for drivers are set to expand – making it easier for people to carry out a number of licence updates, including medical changes.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has announced a series of updates to its online medical service, which aim to cut waiting times for people needed to change their information, or secure a licence.

More than 60,000 UK drivers have already used DVLA’s enhanced online medical service, at gov.uk, which the DVLA said saves people up to 10 days of waiting when compared to paper applications.

On the website, drivers can check how around 1,600 medical conditions may affect their ability to drive and if necessary, notify the DVLA.

Other benefits of the DVLA online service, which is available 24 hours a day, include:
Initial action on some applications, such as contacting a healthcare professional, can be taken within 24 hours
Customers can track the progress of their application online
Drivers with multiple medical conditions can now renew their licence online
Medical licence holders can renew their photocard and licence in a single transaction

The DVLA said use of the online service increased by almost 50% over the past year, with improvements planned including expanding online medical notifications to additional services, including licence renewals at age 70, first-time provisional licence applications, and applications from drivers whose licence has previously been surrendered or revoked.

Tim Moss CBE, chief executive of the DVLA, 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 ten 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.

“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.”