§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate how long it takes on average to(a) complete and (b) process the application form for a driving licence; and whether his Department has a target for the number of applications to be processed. [121579]
3W
§ Mr. JamiesonThe current driving licence application form has been subject to detailed research to ensure ease of completion. Time to complete the form will depend on individual circumstances.
In 2002–03 the DVLA's targets required that 95 per cent. of applications for normal vocational and first driving licences should be delivered to the driver within eight working days and 95 per cent. of other licence types within 10 working days. These targets were met in full for the six million photocard licences issued.
Targets for 2003–04 have been tightened to require 98 per cent. of licences to be issued within the same timescale.
Applications requiring background checks into health or identity can take longer. Customers can expect to receive licences within 15 working days.