Key points
- The average DVLA decision time in medical cases is 62.3 working days so far in 2026/27.
- Vocational licence holders get a renewal reminder only 56 days before expiry.
- The DVLA blames the rising number and complexity of medical cases.
- A new casework system, a portal covering around 1,600 medical conditions, SMS updates and more staff are meant to help.
The figures come from a written parliamentary answer by transport minister Justin Madders on 14 October 2026. He was responding to Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire, who asked how long drivers wait for a medical licence decision.
Three months to decide, eight weeks’ notice
According to the minister, “so far in 2026/27 the average time to make a licensing decision in medical cases is 62.3 working days”. With weekends and bank holidays, that is roughly three calendar months.
At the same time, the DVLA sends reminders:
- 56 days before expiry for vocational licences (lorry and bus) and 10-year photocard renewals,
- 90 days before expiry for drivers renewing at 70 and for short-term medical licences.
Lorry drivers must renew their vocational entitlement every five years from the age of 45, and every year from 65, with a medical report each time. A driver who sends the application when the reminder arrives, and whose case needs medical checks, may still be waiting when the old licence runs out.
Why it takes so long
The minister said the DVLA is dealing with a growing volume of more complex applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Cases that need further investigation, or information from GPs and other healthcare professionals, take longer.
The problem is not new. In June, we reported that Group 2 medical cases for lorry and bus drivers took up to 56.2 working days at their peak in March, and that the DVLA had paid compensation in dozens of delay cases.
What the DVLA is changing
According to the answer, the DVLA has:
- launched a new casework system for its medical function,
- introduced a digital medical services portal covering around 1,600 medical conditions,
- improved services for provisional licence applicants and drivers renewing at 70 or over,
- started trialling text message updates for drivers who agree to receive them,
- recruited additional staff.
The minister did not say when processing times should come down.
Can you keep driving while you wait?
In some cases, yes. According to GOV.UK guidance, a lorry or bus driver can keep driving while the DVLA processes the application if:
- their doctor supports them continuing to drive,
- they had a valid licence and drive only under its conditions,
- the application is less than a year old,
- their last licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons,
- they are not disqualified.
Employers should check these conditions carefully before letting a driver continue.
What drivers and operators can do
The safest approach is not to wait for the reminder. Operators can track licence expiry dates for all drivers and ask those with medical conditions to arrange their medical and send the application as early as the rules allow. Keeping copies of the application and the doctor’s report also helps if a driver needs to rely on the right to keep driving.
