Drivers have been warned that processing dates for paper applications vary, with some being processed as of December 2021. The DVLA has been dealing with a number of issues when it comes to paper applications of driving licences, which has resulted in weeks-long delays.
Its website states: “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.”
Drivers who used a paper application to renew a driving licence with a new photo will have to wait the longest as the DVLA are still processing applications from December 14.
Anyone applying for a driving licence with a non-UK identity will also face a wait of almost two and a half months, with paper applications being processed as of December 29.
Elderly drivers face an eight week delay if they are looking to renew a driving licence for over 70s or after disqualification or revocation.
It has previously apologised to customers who claim they have been waiting months for their licence.
Wait times for paper applications are mostly affected by the delays.
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The DVLA is urging drivers to renew online if they wish to get their applications faster.
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 five days.”
Drivers are advised to contact the DVLA if they have not yet received vehicle documents within six weeks for any changes to the V5C or a replacement V5C log book.
This comes as new research from Marmalade has found that thousands of young drivers are close to losing their licence from just one more motoring offence.
Any driver who has six or more penalty points within two years of passing will have their driving licence removed, with new figures showing at least 8,069 young drivers aged between 17 and 19 risk having their licence revoked.
Following an FOI request to the DVLA, Marmalade also found young drivers aged between 17 and 25 in Wakefield, Bradford and Halifax have more penalty points from driving offences than the rest of the country.
The research also revealed the most common driving offence for 17 to 25-year-olds across the UK is exceeding the statutory speed limit on a public road.
This was followed by using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks and driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit.
The data shows the most driving offences are being issued in Yorkshire and Scotland, with Aberdeen, Inverness, Falkirk and Dundee also making the top 10 cities for driving licence points.
These cities combined have almost 20,000 offenders holding points for unlawful road use in the UK.
Keyword: DVLA explains how to get driving licence quicker as application delays continue