The DVLA has published a timeline indicating whether your driving application is likely being processed right now and could soon be finalised, as the wait goes on for many as a result of a significant backlog and a high volume of inquiries.
Whether you have applied for your first driving licence, or have got in touch with the Government organisation about updating your information or selling your vehicle, a guide has been published as to the applications being looked at now, based on when they were submitted.
The DVLA states on its website: "We are receiving a high volume of enquiries about driving while your driving licence application is with DVLA. If your application has been sent to DVLA you may be able to continue to drive while we are processing your application, subject to meeting certain criteria. This applies to most types of application." You can read more stories about Swansea here.
Delays to processing applications were exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, which reduced staffing at the agency's Morriston base and caused concerns about the safety of workers. We published a guide of seven pre-travel car checks that can save you £7,600 in fines. You can read more about that by clicking here. You can also get more motoring news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Here's an indication of whether the DVLA is now processing your application. If you submitted your application on or before the dates listed, then it is likely now being processed.
March 17 - Renewing a driving licence with a new photo, apply for a first provisional driving licence with UK identity, apply for a driving licence with a non-UK identity
March 22 - Apply to change your name or address on your driving licence
April 1 - Apply for a replacement V5C log book, register a vehicle for the first time (including previously used and imports)
April 8 - Renew a driving licence if you're 70 or over or after disqualification or revocation, Vehicle registration certificate (V5C) changes, retain or assign a vehicle registration number
April 11 - Tell DVLA about the sale of your vehicle
April 13 - Apply for a first vocational driving licence, renew a vocational driving licence, apply for or renew a tachograph card
