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Medical renewals

If you’re the holder of a short period driving licence that needs to be reviewed due to a medical condition, you’ll receive a reminder application from Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) before your licence expires.

Renewing your photocard driving licence

Approximately two months before your licence is due to expire, DVA will send you a DL1R: ‘driver licence reminder application form’. The DL1R renewal reminder will also be issued for the renewal of a larger vehicle, minibus or bus entitlement.

Please note: the issue of renewal reminders is a courtesy service on DVA's behalf; DVA isn't obliged to issue a reminder to you.

You’ll need to:

  • complete the DL1R or a DL1 form
  • complete the appropriate medical questionnaire*  **
  • include a new passport type certified photo

You don’t need to enclose any identification, or fee.

* If you are renewing your car licence DVA will issue you the appropriate medical questionnaire(s) for completion once you have completed a DL1R or DL1 form and DVA has received it.

** If you are renewing your lorry or bus entitlement(s) you should complete the ‘medical examination report’ (DLM1) and send this to us along with your application. DLM1 forms are available from DVA local vehicle licensing offices, MOT centres or directly from the DVA by calling 0845 4024 000.

Once you have received your medical questionnaire(s) you will then need to arrange for your doctor to complete the form(s). Your questionnaire(s) will include a consent form that must be signed, this allows DVA to make medical enquiries into your fitness to drive.

For a list of the conditions and disabilities which we investigate for car or motorcycle licence (group one) holders and lorry or bus licence (group two) holders, please see below -

Insulin dependent diabetics - Lorry/Bus entitlement

Additionally, if you currently suffer from diabetes and this is controlled by insulin, or other medications which carry a risk of inducing hypoglycaemia, you will need to contact DVA to request a DIAB1 medical report form.  For further advice on the medical process please see the following link.

What to do if you don't receive your reminder

If, for any reason, you don’t receive the reminder application form, you can:

  • complete a DL1 application form available from main Post Office® branches, local vehicle licensing offices or MOT centres. Remember to include a new passport type certified photo.

Otherwise you can request a DL1 from DVA by phone or by email. Please remember to quote your full name, date of birth and or driver number (if known).

Phone: 0845 4024 000 (lines are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).
Email: dvlni@doeni.gov.uk

Change of name

If your name has changed since your last licence was issued, you must also enclose original documentation confirming your change of name.

When to expect your licence

DVA aims to complete enquiries as quickly as possible. The time taken to deal with your particular case will depend on your medical condition and the information needed. When the decision can be made, based on the information you originally provided, DVA aims to make a decision between nine working days and three to four weeks.

If any other information is needed, from you, your doctor, or other sources, or if you're applying for a lorry or bus licence, it may take longer.  DVA aims to make a decision within three to four weeks, but this may take longer if further information is required.  

Contact DVA

Drivers Medical Section
DVA
Coleraine County Hall
Castlerock Road
Waterside
Coleraine
BT51 3TB

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