The process for renewing a driver licence would usually take up to 21 days with renewals for drivers with a medical condition taking longer as there will be a requirement for investigation before the decision on licence renewal can be made.

It is important to send all documentation necessary for the licence renewal in good time for the process to be completed before the licence expiry date but  DVLA indicate that almost 40% of applications for renewal arrive AFTER the licence expiry date, with a further 28% being received within two weeks of the expiry date.  This makes it difficult for the necessary processes to be completed and the new licence to be issued before the expiry date which in turn can cause difficulties for the driver and operators alike.

Assist DVLA and avoid difficulties by:

• encouraging drivers to renew their licence at the earliest opportunity
• reminding drivers that they can arrange their medical examination before receiving their renewal forms (up to 90 days before their licence expires)
• getting drivers to submit their renewal application well before the licence expiry date
• ensuring you carry out efficient three monthly driver licence checks and are aware of the expiry date and encouraging early renewal
• using the DVLA licence checking service or a driver licence checking service from an outside provider (with the required permission from the driver) to check a driver’s licence expiry date and then prompt your drivers to make an early renewal application
• drivers should tell us about any changes in their personal details or any new medical conditions as soon as possible and not wait until their licence expires as this can delay the process