DVLA expects to see a 24-hour turnaround between the submission of an application for a digital tachograph driver card via its new online portal and the card being issued.
The Agency adds that the digital service, which was launched recently, will enable around 780,000 holders of a valid GB photocard driving licence to apply online. They may still post a paper form, but DVLA says that method can lead to a turnaround period of 10 days or more.
The portal accepts applications for a first card; to renew a card if it expires within 90 days; and to replace a card that is lost or stolen. It remains necessary to apply by post to replace a damaged or faulty card; to change the name or address on a card; and if the applicant has a paper driving licence, lives abroad, or wishes to change an EU, EEA or Northern Ireland card to a GB one.
The online service for digital tachograph driver cards comes after a successful launch of the concept for company cards in 2019. Once the application is received by DVLA an email notification is sent, along with optional progress updates via text message.
Says DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard: “We are delighted to launch our new online driver tachograph service. This quick and easy to use service will give drivers who need tachograph cards greater flexibility around how, when and where they transact with us, and they will get their new card back even quicker.”
A recent test of DVLA’s digital tachograph portal demonstrated that a driver card application submitted on the morning of day one saw the card delivered on day three.
DVLA adds that the online tachograph card services are its first to move to a new, secure cloud-based system. That, it says, will “pave the way for enhancements that will allow greater flexibility in how future services are delivered and supported.”
