Motorists are being urged to use this service.woman taking medicine before driving

The DVLA has issued a huge change for drivers will medical conditions.(Image: Ute Grabowsky/Getty Images)

A major update has been issued for motorists with medical conditions. The DVLA is encouraging driving licence holders to check their online medical service as it has recently been given a significant upgrade.

The online service was initially launched back in March 2026 as part of the agency’s transformation program to move away from paper applications. With the DVLA reportedly seeing an exceptionally high demand in applications from customers with medical conditions, this digital upgrade is a game changer.

The DVLA has announced that its GOV.Uk website can now allow drivers to check guidance on around 1,600 medical conditions and how they can affect your driving. Additionally, the service provides a quick and easy way to notify the DVLA of any changes if required.

In comparison to the paper applications, the upgraded online system can process up to 10 days faster. The DVLA also reports that it will be able to take the first action on your application, such as referring it to a healthcare professional, within 24 hours.

While more than 60,000 drivers are said to have already used the service, this significant expansion means that millions more motorists will be able to benefit from it.

woman using cell phone

Around 1,600 conditions can now be search for through the online service.(Image: Getty Images)

The digital medical system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Motorists will be walked through each step of the process and the system will allow you to track the progress of your application.

In order to check if your health condition affects your driving, you need to go to the online portal and enter in some details about your condition and your current driving licence. In order to search for the condition, you will need to say what type of licence you have and confirm your entitlement to drive.

You might also need to give your GP or consultant’s name and address during the form. However, if you are checking for someone else and you do not know their licence information, there is a check A to Z list for conditions also available with attached guidance.

It should be noted that motorists will have an hour to add information once you start the form and are warned that you cannot save or return to the application later.

For the first time, the service will allow drivers with multiple medical conditions to renew their driving licence online. Meanwhile, medical licence holders can renew their licence photo at the same time, reducing the need for separate transactions.

Tim Moss CBE, DVLA chief executive, said: “More than 60,000 drivers have already switched to our online medical service, saving time, avoiding paperwork and benefiting from a faster application process.

“Customers can save up to 10 days by applying online rather than by post. As well as making applications quicker and easier, drivers using the service have collectively avoided tens of thousands of pounds in postage costs.

“With 24/7 access and the ability to track progress online, we’re making it simpler than ever for people to manage their driving licence in a way that works for them.”

Further improvements for the digital service are also planned for this year, with online medical notifications being extended into additional customer journeys.

This means that drivers renewing their licence at the age of 70, first-time provisional licence applicants, and customers whose licence was previously revoked or surrendered will benefit from online medical notifications as part of those transactions.