Drivers can save up to 10 days by telling DVLA about a medical

Drivers who need to tell the DVLA about a medical condition can now do so online for a broader range of conditions than before, and the DVLA says this can shave up to 10 days off the time it takes to get a decision compared with sending a paper form.

This matters because anyone who develops a condition that could affect their ability to drive is legally required to notify the DVLA. Failing to do so can result in a fine and, in the event of an accident, could affect an insurance claim. Until now, many drivers had little choice but to fill in a paper form and wait, which could leave them in limbo about whether they were legally allowed to continue driving.

The expansion of the online service means the process is faster and, for most people, more straightforward. Completing a notification online rather than by post removes delays caused by printing, postage and manual handling. Receiving a decision up to 10 days sooner gives drivers clarity more quickly, which is particularly important when someone is trying to understand whether they can lawfully stay on the road while a decision is being made.