Drivers reporting health issues to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) can now secure a licensing decision up to 10 days faster by using the newly expanded online portal.

Drivers can now visit GOV.UK to check how around 1,600 medical conditions may affect their driving and, where required, notify DVLA online.

Facing a surge in medical applications, the DVLA is urging drivers to switch to the portal, which significantly saves time compared with paper applications.

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the service guides customers through every step of the process and allows them to track the progress of their application online, giving greater visibility and convenience.

The expansion means millions more drivers can now benefit from DVLA’s digital services. Drivers with multiple medical conditions can now renew their driving licence online for the first time, while medical licence holders can also renew their driving licence photo at the same time, reducing paperwork and the need for separate transactions.

The service is proving increasingly popular, with almost 50% growth in digital uptake over the last year.

Further improvements planned this year will extend online medical notifications into additional customer journeys. This will allow drivers renewing their licence at age 70, first-time provisional licence applicants, and customers whose licence was previously surrendered or revoked, to benefit from online medical notifications as part of those transactions.

Drivers can check whether they need to tell DVLA about a medical condition and access the service at GOV.UK.

Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “Drivers need to be able to report medical conditions quickly and easily. I understand their frustration and that’s why I’ve been working closely with the DVLA to push forward improvements to the services drivers receive.

“This quick, easy-to-use online service is making it easier for drivers to report their medical conditions, making our roads safer for everyone that uses them. This new initiative will save people time and money so they can keep their licences up to date, and it’s already working for thousands of customers using the service.”

Tim Moss, DVLA chief executive, added: “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.”