Renewing a Driving License Online (UK)

[john new]

1 hour ago, zarniwhoop said:

Self Assessment *used* to be easy peeasy compared to the paper forms. Now, those of us who don't have a passport or N.I. driver's license will apparently have to make paper returns (and phone up to ask for a paper form) - HMRC dropped the verification options they were using up to last year.

Another good example of stupidity in the modern world. My elderly mother hasn't fallen foul yet but will soon. No driving licence as she gave up years ago, no mobile phone, no longer holds a passport as feels too old to travel (& at nearly 99 I can't blame her for that) so about the only ID she needs for her current life style is a bank card and her bus pass. Then HMG forgets that not everyone is IT literate, wants to drive or travel abroad. It is a bit like the switch to on-line Electoral Registration, when we did it in person as a doorstep follow up for non-returns, you knew some people couldn't read and write and we were allowed to do it for them - now they have to find someone else and admit they can't read. So called efficiency progress for the service automator/data collector is not always progress for the customer.

[stewartingram]

Early on in this thread (just before mid-April?) and thanks to the thread, I decided to check my licence - it had expired on 01/04/2022! Thankfully I had no roadworthy car, being in the middle of a protracted engine rebuild, so wasn't driving.

I tried doing the online renewal, but was (at that time) thwarted for some reason, it kept kicking me out. So of to the PO, collect a form, fill it in and post it off. I should add that a) it was a70+ renewal; b) I had had NO reminder from DVLA; c) it possibly had medical complications (more in a moment)

Now if you apply for a renewal, under certain conditions (section 88) you can still drive without the physical licence, but if you do not meet section 88, or have medical changes, you have to wait for the licence.

Put simply, I was confused. I was diagnosed diabetic in 2000, put on insulin, and informed the DVLA. So I have a medical condition on record, They are always wary with insulin users, but I have always been well controlled. I turned 70, 3 years ago, so have a short-period licence. Since reaching 70, and this renewal, my GP & her team have investigated my diabetes, and downgraded me from type 1 to type 2 (essentially an improvement) I'm now on tablets, and 'officially' less of a risk, so I added this on the form. Now, does this break the section 88 rule? I suspected so.

I tried emailing DVLA - no response

No conformation that they had received my application (could be lost in the post). I tried ringing them - many times. On most occasions I got kicked off (too busy). Other times  - in a queue. Best ever time to wait was 30 minutes at least, so I hung up. Oh, and the recorded message said wait till the expected 6-10 weeks delay was up before contacting them! So we are now 5 maybe 6 weeks gone....

In desperation I rang my insurance. Bottom line - am I insured to drive? NO, not without conformation from DVLA that I am permitted, because they are now dealing with it.

So today I tried DVLA again.

Firstly, find the phone number on the website. Not obvious, but I got it. In the meantime, I hit on the online application again. So I thought I'd try filling it in again - this time it actually worked, and I got a conformation email! At least I now know my application is in.

I then rang them. I got into a 30 minute queue again and stuck with it. 35 minutes later a human voice answered. I explained things to her, she went through section 88 with me, but couldn't give me an answer. (She was very polite though).. She couldn't find my paper application on screen, but after I said I had just managed to do it online, she found that one. Miraculously that led on to finding the earlier paper application! Ah she says, the medical team are dealing with it, stay on the line, I'll transfer you.

25 minutes later, the medical team answer. I explained things, they proceeded to recite Section 88 - I stopped them, asked the bottom line, explaining the change in diabetes as well. Result? Yes you CAN drive - but NO you can't - unless you get a cover note from the GP saying you aremedically safe to drive. Apparently if I am pulled over by the Police, that cover the lack of licence in my hand.

Next call, ring the GP. The receptionist put me on hold to ask her superior. Needed a little clarification from me and then spoke to someone else. She came back with an answer - We  have a lady who specialises in this, we can provide a letter do you want that?

The rub? It is 4pm on Friday - I doubt anything happened today, they were near closing. So that is a wait until Monday, then post it. (Unless they email...maybe?). Oh, I forgot to mention.....the £17.50p fee for the letter......

Thanks a lot for the splendid service, DVLA.

 

Stewart

[brianusa]

Age is apparently no setback in the good ole US of A.  Discrimination rules the day!  Can't have old fogies without their cars; got to drive to church, market. bingo, etc!  Hopefully they have their wits about them.  I shall be 87 next month and still feel confident driving and should be irked if an unqualified  someone decided to take over my life.  Fortunately I am sound in wind and limb and brain ( check with my GP if you must) and will decide in good time when to quit!  There will be those who may disagree and I've heard a few already who want to move us out of our house into a "retirement community" and you can understand any reticence on my part!

    Brian. 

[Michael Hodgson]

34 minutes ago, brianusa said:

Age is apparently no setback in the good ole US of A.  Discrimination rules the day!  Can't have old fogies without their cars; got to drive to church, market. bingo, etc!  Hopefully they have their wits about them.  I shall be 87 next month and still feel confident driving and should be irked if an unqualified  someone decided to take over my life.  Fortunately I am sound in wind and limb and brain ( check with my GP if you must) and will decide in good time when to quit!  There will be those who may disagree and I've heard a few already who want to move us out of our house into a "retirement community" and you can understand any reticence on my part!

    Brian. 

What worries me about your licencing system is not the elderly - it's the practice in some states to let 14 year olds drive.  Hell, half our 17 year olds shouldn't be let loose on the Queen's highway because they are  far too dangerous and immature.   It seems American logic is that in the Wild West teenagers could all get a horse and cart into town no problem, so they can drive these latter day horseless buggies.

[Dave 46]

I'm approaching 76, and received a reminder to renew my licence through the post about three weeks ago.  Went online and completed the form, and received a new licence in less than a week, and still two months before my birthday.  perhaps I was just lucky.

 

Dave

 

[DaveF]

I'll be 73 in August, I did my form online early in the week, making sure I filled in my name exactly as it appears on my current licence - as my full name doesn't fit!

 

It came back yesterday, useful as I need it to prove my identity for things to do with Mum's estate.

 

David

[chrissy]

I'm not planning on renewing my passport and I lost my license and had to pay £20. I need it for ID when I buy my wine 🙂 it's cheaper than getting a new passport.

 

Christine x

 

 

 

[jcm@gwr]

15 minutes ago, chrissy said:

I'm not planning on renewing my passport and I lost my license and had to pay £20. I need it for ID when I buy my wine 🙂 it's cheaper than getting a new passport.

 

Christine x

 

 

 

 

I hope you mean you mislaid it, not that they took it away!

[chrissy]

Yes I mislaid/lost it 😂 so embarrassing being denied wine. My driving licence is my saviour even though I don't have a car 

[hayfield]

There have been lots of reports of DVLA taking ages and or loosing applications/renewals so as I approach 70 I better reply ASAP once the letter arrived

 

Well it came, I read through it and thought I better get my eyes checked, this I did for the first time in nearly 40 years, sight still good enough to drive and no need for glasses

 

On line application completed on the 26/8/22, new licence arrived today 2/9/22.

 

Thank you DVLA