The DVLA has introduced new rules to help get people back on the road quicker.

From July 20, the law was changed to allow healthcare professionals, other than doctors, to complete DVLA medical questionnaires.

Under the amendment to the Road Traffic Act 1988, specialist nurses and opticians, amongst other healthcare professionals can complete the medical questionnaire.

This is part of an approach by the DVLA to reduce the time taken for medical questionnaires to be completed to "ease the burden" on GPs.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: "Obtaining or renewing a driving licence should always be a quick, simple and efficient process.

"That’s why we’re allowing more healthcare professionals to complete DVLA medical questionnaires to speed up the medical licensing process and ease the burden on GPs."

The law says all drivers must meet the medical standards for fitness to drive and before now, a doctor would have to complete the DVLA medical forms if the patient needs it.

The DVLA will continue sending questionnaires to GMC doctors and consultants but this law change now means other healthcare staff involved in the patient's care can also complete it.

This change is a result of a public consultation where 82 per cent of respondents were supportive of the change.

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DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: "Every year we are receiving an increasing number of medical licensing applications from drivers.

"This law change, which widens the pool of healthcare professionals who can complete DVLA questionnaires, improves the process for those notifying DVLA of medical conditions whilst reducing the administrative burden on doctors, benefitting drivers and the NHS alike."

In 2020 and 2021, it was reported that the DVLA received 603,000 medical notifications and applications. This number is expected to grow due to an increase in the ageing population, increased life expectancy, and a rise in certain medical conditions.

Over the last 12 months, the average time it takes to receive information from doctors has more than doubled due to the pandemic and other challenges.

Motorcycle and car licence applications now take around 94 calendar days to be processed and bus and lorry licence applications take an average of 75 calendar days.

Previously, only doctors registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) could complete the questionnaires.

Although there is no requirement for GP surgeries or hospital teams to make changes to their current processes, the change to the law will now allow medical professionals from the following Councils to complete medical questionnaires on behalf of doctors:

  • General Chiropractic Council
  • The General Optical Council
  • The General Osteopathic Council
  • The Nursing and Midwifery Council
  • Health and Care Professions Council