The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has updated processing times for driving licences and logbooks for 2022.
Waiting times for the DVLA have been longer than usual due to the pandemic as the agency has faced a huge backlog amid a high volume of enquiries for paper applications.
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 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency 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 has 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.
DVLA updated processing dates
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 - 26 October 2021
Apply for a first provisional driving licence with UK identity - 28 October 2021
Renew a driving licence if you’re 70 or over or after disqualification or revocation - 26 October 2021
Apply for a first vocational driving licence - 13 January 2022
Renew a vocational driving licence - 12 January 2022
Apply for a driving licence with a non-UK identity - 26 October 2021
Apply for or renew a tachograph card - 12 January 2022
Apply to change your name or address on your driving licence - 27 October 2021
Tell DVLA about the sale of a vehicle -10 January 2022
Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) changes - 31 December 2021
Apply for a replacement V5C logbook - 21 December 2021
Register a vehicle for the first time (including previously used and imports) - 6 January 2022
Retain or assign a vehicle registration number - 7 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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