Is everybody else experiencing major delays getting their licences renewed?
Mine was due the end of July - got a letter back stating that because of Covid they were unable to get the assessment from my specialist that they require.
I had a telephone appointment with my specialist last week and asked if there was paperwork from DVLA requesting an assessment and advised there wasn’t anything, but he felt that there would b no problem we me continuing to drive.
God forbid tjat I am involved in a RTA where do I stand with the police - and with no end in sight for the pandemic is there anyway forward?
@JuSu, yes I experienced long delays and end up calling DVLA as I am a key worker and need my car to be able to drive to work. I was advised I could carry on driving and the lady I spoke to me as I was uneasy about this sent the folowing email;
Dear Customer,
Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act could allow you to drive while your application is with DVLA. More information here –
Hope this helps you and puts your mind at rest, also as @Singing_Gardener says it is now on their website their is an automatic extension of 11 months for those whose licences run out between Feb and Dec this year. I am not sure that was there when I contacted DVLA back in March of this year.
A further four-month extension to driving licenses: The DVLA has announced that drivers whose photocard or driving entitlement expires between 1 February 2020 and 31 December 2020 now have an 11 month extension from the date of expiry. You do not need to do anything as this extension is automatic.
If you have a health condition requiring further information, there are likely to be delays before NHS doctors, consultants or opticians are able to provide them with the information to make a licensing decision. Providing the individual has a current driving licence and has not been told by their doctor or optician that they should not drive, they will be able to drive while DVLA is considering their application. Further information on this can be found on this web page.
My colleague has spoken to a representative at the DVLA and they have advised that nothing has changed regarding above, however, there is info on escalating issues, which might be helpful via this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update
I have also spoken to the DVLA , on several occasions, and they quote-
While the DVLA is completing medical investigations to decide whether a licence can be issued, we cannot tell you if Section 88 applies to you.
You and your doctor are in the best position to consider the Section 88 criteria and to decide whether you should drive while you are waiting for a licence to be issued.
So, it can still be confusing, & “not a black & white ‘ decision as to whether or not you can drive, and section 88 only says that you ‘may’ be able to drive, not that you “can” drive?
You’re right, I can see how this may be confusing for people. You’ve mentioned that your consultant has already confirmed that you’re fit to drive; however, if you want more clarification on this, I’d recommend that you contact our helpline and speak to one of our advisers.
Mine was due in December so I applied in August worried about the wait everyone was reporting. Not seen my Consultant for a year this is my third renewal. I was surprised to receive my new license on 20th September. I must have just been lucky.
Mine took 8 months. I received my new 3 year licence and 2 weeks after a Letter confirming that due to Covid, it will take longer than normal to process but I would be hearing from them soon!
