Drivers are being warned to use different methods to get their driving tests booked as the DVLA application process continues to be snarled up in delays.
Paper application times can vary hugely, with some people being hit with week-long delays.
Drivers who have opted to renew a licence with a new photo using a paper application are likely to have to wait the longest.
The DVLA says: “As a result of ongoing Covid safety measures and the impact of previous industrial action by members of the Public and Commercial Services union, there are ongoing delays with processing paper applications.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and our staff are working hard to reduce waiting times.
“There may be additional delays in processing more complex cases, for example, if medical investigations are needed as part of your driving licence application.”
How long is the delay on DVLA applications?
As mentioned, the longest wait at the time of writing is for people who are looking to renew their licence with a new photo, with the government website saying that its services are currently working on applications from December 14.
This means there could be around a two-and-a-half-month wait for people sending them in.
People looking to secure a UK driving licence using a non-UK identity also have a major wait on their hands, with delays thought to be going back as far as December 29.
The third longest delay is currently for people applying for their first provisional licence with a UK identity, with applications from January 6, signalling roughly a two-month delay.
The same wait is likely for people hoping to renew their driving licence. This could apply to people who are over 70 or have lost their licence through revocation or disqualification.
The same backlog of January 6 also applies to anyone looking to change the address or name on their licence.
If you’re looking to replace a V5C logbook you are likely to enter into a queue still processing applications from February 10, while people looking to register a vehicle for the first time or make changes to their V5C are likely to face a backlog of around three weeks. The DVLA is currently working on applications received for their services on February 16.
People looking to apply or renew a vocational licence also have a two-week wait on their hands, with the DVLA currently processing applications from February 21.
The same goes for people entering into the process of telling the DVLA about the sale of a vehicle.
How can you apply to the DVLA quickly?
The DVLA has advised people to apply online for the best possible return time. The agency’s website says: “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 five days.”
