Driving When the DVLA is Processing an Application
Q. Can I drive while my application is with DVLA?
A. You MAY be able to!
There is a provision in law under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) 1988 that MAY allow you to drive while DVLA process your application.
But to take advantage of s88, DVLA MUST have received your application before your current licence expires. If your licence expires prior to sending in your renewal application, s88 will NOT apply and you cannot continue to drive.
In addition to sending in your renewal application prior to expiry you must be confident that your
application will not be refused due to any medical condition you have declared. You can look up your condition in the “At a Glance” guide to see whether you meet the medical standards for driving. But be warned this guide is intended for health care professionals and you should discuss your fitness to drive with your doctor as discussed below.
If you have declared a medical condition then you must discuss your fitness to drive with your doctor. Your doctor must state that you are fit to drive in your application. However, some doctors are wary of making this statement due to potential comeback in the event a driver has an accident that is attributable to a medical condition.
If you do not have any medical conditions to declare then as soon as DVLA receive your application for a new licence you may drive, providing you meet the s88 requirements;
- Be confident your application will not be refused due to a declared medical condition
- You have held a valid driving licence and only drive vehicles you are qualified to drive
- You meet any conditions specified on your previous licence ie to wear glasses to drive
- You sent your fully completed application to DVLA within the last 12 months
- Your last licence has not been revoked or refused for medical reasons
- You are not currently disqualified by a court
- You have not been disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1st June 2013. A high risk offender is a driver convicted of a serious drink drive offence