The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has issued its latest update on driving licences and logbook processing times for this year.
Due to the pandemic, motorists have faced longer waiting times for paper applications to be processed after a huge backlog.
The DVLA stated that its online services are working normally and has no delay, which is good news for anyone who submitted their application through the website.
However, there are still waiting times for paper driving licence and log book applications which the DVLA has now updated.
There are circumstances that you will be able to drive while your application is being processed because of long wait times.
If you sent off a paper application the waiting times will be significantly longer due to the impact that coronavirus safety measures and industrial action have had on delays.
Delays may also be more severe for complex applications such as those needing a medical investigation as part of the licence.
In fact, the DVLA encourages using online services to minimise delays with applications.
Updated processing dates for paper applications
The following dates apply to what the DVLA claims it is currently working on for different types of paper applications:
- Renew a driving licence with a new photo - 9 November 2021
- Apply for a first provisional driving licence with UK identity - 8 November 2921
- Renew a driving licence if you’re 70 or over or after disqualification or revocation - 9 November 2021
- Apply for a first vocational driving licence - 27 January 2022
- Renew a vocational driving licence - 27 January 2022
- Apply for a driving licence with non-UK identity - 8 November 2021
- Apply for or renew a tachograph card - 27 January 2022
- Apply to change your name or address on your driving licence - 9 November 2021
- Tell DVLA about the sale of a vehicle - 24 January 2022
- Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) changes - 21 January 2022
- Apply for a replacement V5C log book - 7 January 2022
- Register a vehicle for the first time (including previously used and imports) - 20 January 2022
- Retain or assign a vehicle registration number - 24 January 2022
It's important to note that if you don't receive your vehicle documents within six weeks of an application you will have to contact the DVLA.
DVLA urged motorists to use online services wherever possible.
The website states: "Our online services are working as normal and without delay. This is the quickest, easiest, and often cheapest way to deal with us.
"We recommend that you use our online services where possible. If you apply online, you should receive your driving licence or vehicle registration certificate (V5C) within 5 days."
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