DVLA warns of long delays for motorhomers’ C1 applications

The DVLA has issued a statement to say it is currently not processing any postal applications for the C1 category renewals that are not for professional drivers or key workers. This primarily affects motorhomers reaching 70 (or over 70) who wish to retain their rights to drive vehicles with a GVW of over 3,500kg.

A spokesperson told us, “Where a driver needs a medical examination or we require further information about a health condition, we are unable to process applications until such time as NHS doctors and opticians are available.

“We are asking people not to send in paper applications unless they are directly involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This allows us to prioritise applications from HGV drivers and other critical workers to make sure they get any documentation they need as quickly as possible.”

There is currently a temporary D4 (medical) exemption in place but this does not apply to (C1) and (D1/101) entitlements included on car licences issued before 1997.

The advice is to use the online service to apply for your licence to be renewed (if you have a valid passport), but this will only renew the car licence categories (under 3,500kg). Then once the crisis is over and medical D4 applications are able to be processed, motorhomers will be able to reapply for the C1 category.

However, this does mean that someone with a motorhome weighing more than 3,500kg will not be able to drive it until they have C1 entitlement back on their driving licence and there is really no telling how long that will take.

DVLA states, “Drivers will be able to apply to get their C1 entitlement back when they can get a D4 medical. The entitlement will start from when the new licence is issued and will not be backdated. Drivers will NOT have to resit a driving test if they apply for the C1 entitlement again in the future.”

So, what if you have already posted your application? DVLA tells us, “We can currently only deal with applications from those who are directly involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we are prioritising applications relating to HGV drivers and other critical workers to make sure they get any documentation they need as quickly as possible. We are unable to deal with any other paper applications until further notice. Where an application has already been posted to us, there are likely to be significant delays in processing this.”

However, this should mean that under the DVLA rules (Section 88), you can drive while your licence is being renewed if you meet all the following conditions:

• you have the support of your doctor to continue driving
• you had a valid licence
• you only drive under the conditions of the previous licence
• your application is less than a year old
• your last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical reasons
• you’re not currently disqualified
• you weren’t disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013

This also means that if you can get a medical done, with the D4 form filled out, then you can still post your application to the DVLA. This won’t currently be processed, but abiding by the above rules, you should be able to drive your motorhome.

Applications without the D4 medical form will not be considered as valid and so you won’t be able to drive your C1 classed vehicle (over 3,500kg). You’ll need to resubmit the forms with a medical or follow the online renewal process.

Remember this is only needed if you intend to drive a motorhome weighing more than 3,500kg GVW. If your current motorhome is this or less you can use the standard online renewal process and will receive a Category B, which covers up to 3.5 tonnes.

While local GPs and doctors may not be able to offer the medical D4 form service, there are online companies that are currently operating but in a limited capacity. D4Drivers is currently trialling medicals at a reduced number of locations and may be able to arrange medicals for motorhomers.

A spokesperson for D4Drivers.uk confirmed this, “Whilst we were forced to temporarily suspend our service when the lockdown began, we have now started to re-open our clinics so that drivers can book their medical with us once again. This is a difficult and ongoing process, however we currently have appointments available in 20 locations and we hope to have all 75 locations available again by mid-June, so that drivers all over the UK can retain their entitlements.”

Plus, a quick search came up with a couple of services near to MMM HQ, so there may still be regional services operating near you. Please note DVLA will not accept medical forms from Doctors on Wheels.

What does this all mean for motorhomers? Essentially, if your licence is up for renewal and you have a motorhome over 3,500kg GVW, then you may not be able to drive it for the foreseeable future, unless you can get a medical done.

While we are in lockdown, this may not have much impact, but the backlog of such applications may stretch long beyond the restrictions, hence impacting on your ability to use your motorhome for much-needed escapes.

The advice is to carry on checking the government website for the latest details.