The DVLA has said it is “on track to return to normal turnaround time on drivers’ paper applications by the end of May and drivers’ medical applications by the end of September”. ‘Normal’ turnaround times for paper drivers applications are up to three weeks (including some time for postage) while for medical applications the target is 90 per cent of cases within 90 days.

So you shouldn't need to apply now. You will get a reminder form sent to you 90 days before the expiry date and you can then apply for a renewal.

Once you have submitted your application you may be able to continue to drive while the DVLA is processing it, provided you have not been told by your doctor or optician that you should not drive.

Further information on how drivers may be able to continue to drive while their application is being processed is available at ‘Can I drive while my application is with DVLA?’ See: www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-d...a