Medical rules for drivers

Medical conditions or Disabilities	Special needs and your theory test
What happens after you have told DVLA	Special requirements and your practical driving test
Surrendering your driving licence	Medical renewals
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Medical renewals

If you are the holder of a short period driving licence, due to a medical condition that needs to be reviewed, you will receive a reminder application from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) prior to the expiry of your licence.

How to renew your photocard driving licence

The DVLA will send you a D42 reminder application form and a medical questionnaire relevant to you 90 days before your photocard driving licence is due to expire. You must complete the application forms ensuring that all the relevant questions are answered. You do not need to enclose any identification, photograph or fee with this application. For the renewal of a larger vehicle, minibus or bus entitlement you will be sent a D48 application form with the appropriate medical questionnaire. The forms can then be returned in the pre paid envelope provided.

If, however, your name has changed since your last licence was issued you must complete the D1 application form available from DVLA's form ordering service or Post Office® branches along with the D42 or D48. You must also enclose original documentation confirming your change of name.

DVLA form ordering service (external link)

What to do if your forms are not received

If, for any reason, you do not receive the reminder application forms to apply for your driving licence, you can do one of the following:

you can complete a D1 application form and the medical questionnaire relevant to you

you can telephone DVLA on 0870 600 0301 to have the applications sent to you if you drive a car, moped and motorcycle
you can telephone DVLA on 0870 241 1879 to have the applications sent to you if you drive larger vehicles, minibuses and buses

Where to send your completed application forms

Send your completed application with your photocard driving licence and D740 paper counterpart to the address below.

Helpful contacts

Drivers Medical Group

Address

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1TU

How soon will I receive my licence?

The DVLA aim to complete their enquiries as quickly as possible. The time they take to deal with your particular case will depend on the medical condition you have and the information they need to gather. If the DVLA can make a decision based on the information you originally provided, they aim to make a decision on 97.5% of cases within 15 working days.

If they need more information about your medical condition, either from you, your doctor, or from other sources, or if you are applying for a lorry or bus licence, they aim to make a decision on 80% of cases within 90 working days.

If DVLA enquiries take longer than the target times set out above, they will write to explain what is happening.

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