I've noticed, on this and various other forums, a marked reluctance on the part of drivers to change their driving licences to the new photocard type, or update them after a house move etc. for fear that DVLA will inadvertently remove categories and then insist you've never had them.
Precautionary measures suggested include photo-copies, and even signed affidavits statements from solicitors. A friend has come up with an idea that is almost certainly better, and can be used retrospectively if the worst happens and the precautions above have been overlooked.
He says:
"Send £5 (their standard charge for a FOI request on a cheque) and a freedom of information request to DVLA for your full licence history, and they will send you a print out of your driving licence history from day one.
It's on DVLA paper and carrys their stamp........ far cheaper that a solicitor and a whole lot less hassle in the long run.
When I got mine back there were five nicely printed computer pages to read including when you passed which test, I also photo-copied my licence before updating it just in case, (not to update can be an offence!) "
I'm fully aware that some view the new licences with suspicion, though I suspect it's probably more to do with the fact that once they get them, they'll be paying out regularly like the rest of us have had to for some time! ;-)
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I phoned them before I upgraded mine and they confirmed my bike category verbally.
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...but the spoken word can be denied.
Whereas the official printed paper cannot.
dvd
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Thanks for that HM, will do that and store for any future problems.
I remember well panicking somewhat when the new licence first came back and i didn't have a clue whether i still had what used to be an HGV1 before the goal posts shifted, the original little book with it's updates added every so many years was great, you had your whole HGV history in one small book.
My only problem with the new licence and digi card is that they've embossed the picture of some evil axe murderer on the things, i'd arrest the fiend on sight..:-)
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I can't see the problem.
I've just moved house and changed both mine and my wife's driving licence on line.
The new ones go to the new house...and you keep the old ones until the new ones have turned up.
If the new ones are wrong you still have the old ones as proof.
...(which has reminded me I haven't sent the old ones back yet).
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>> I can't see the problem.
>>
Nor me, I recently renewed my photo licence online, DVLA accessed my passport photo for the new one and the old one was returned after the new one was received and checked.
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I agree that there *shouldn't* be a problem. Never had any grief with DVLA, and on the occasions where I've had to speak to them I've found the staff courteous and helpful.
Nevertheless for some people there is a perceived issue with mistakes; and my experience of government departments of any colour is that if they HAVE made a mistake they don't like admitting it. My advice was offered to benefit those who might feel at risk, namely those with motorcycle and vocational entitlements.
If you renew on-line, of course, you keep the old licence so as you rightly say, you're covered. I suspect that the problems arose when people sent their old licence back first, then had no proof of their entitlements once they'd let it go.
My usual advice to people is to claim that you've mislaid the old licence, then "find" it once you've got the new one.
Last edited by: Harleyman on Sun 9 Oct 11 at 21:26
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I have to ask. What is this 'new' licence business??
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If anything triggers a change to your licence, such as moving house, then if you have an old type licence it will be replaced by a photocard one.
Once you have one of those, it has to be updated every 10 years, fee currently £20. You should get a reminder, but quite a lot of people are seemingly overlooking it.
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>> My usual advice to people is to claim that you've mislaid the old licence, then
>> "find" it once you've got the new one.
>>
You don't need to go that far. I deliberately kept hold of the old ones, then genuinely forgot to send them back (this thread has reminded me and i'll do it tomorrow).
You agree to send the old ones back, then wait until the new ones turn up before you do so.
Last edited by: Westpig on Sun 9 Oct 11 at 21:47
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You can't have them use your passport photo if it is not recent enough. You can do the update at the Post Office, who for a fee of about £5 will do the photo.
Be aware that if you use the PO, they will keep your old licence, and you must wait for the new one to come through the post - so take a copy before you go.
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why cant the dvla go back to ' day one ' when they cock things up ?
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cos "day 1" doesent exist, it was paper, converted to computer record, and day 1 paper destroyed.
Anything happens in that process and you are knackered.
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Remember this?
www.car4play.com/forum/post/index.htm?t=2409
He finally passed his test again and got his full licence back just 2 months ago, mainly due to financial restraints, but it should never have happened.
Pat
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>> cos "day 1" doesent exist, it was paper, converted to computer record, and day 1
>> paper destroyed.
>>
That sounds ominously true.
I started off with a little hard-cover red booklet, with a bit of paper stuck in it when I passed the test. In 1976 this was replaced with my current folded pink form.
At what stage, and date, would the DVLA records have been computerised?
My original licence had lots of curious categories - large motor car, motor mower, hand operated electric vehicle,vehicle steered by its tracks, moped, etc. Also it acted as a provisional licence for other categories like motor bike.
Would the suggested print out include all these, or have I lost them?
It's not that I need to drive an old dustcart or a tank, but it would be fun.
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They were being computerized around that time my sister's second post graduate job was with them in around 1977 as some sort of systems analyst and the were new systems then.
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>> At what stage, and date, would the DVLA records have been computerised?
>>
Started in the mid-1970's at a guess. My first licence (1976) was the green paper type, though my original HGV was the brown book.
>> My original licence had lots of curious categories - large motor car, motor mower, hand
>> operated electric vehicle,vehicle steered by its tracks, moped, etc. Also it acted as a provisional
>> licence for other categories like motor bike.
>>
>> Would the suggested print out include all these, or have I lost them?
>>
>> It's not that I need to drive an old dustcart or a tank, but it
>> would be fun.
>>
They've been considerably simplified Cliff; ask a friend for a look at the green paper counterpart of the new-style licence, and you'll see the provisional entitlements. The pink plastic card simply lists the categories for which you have FULL licence.
You should note that provisional motorcycle licence is conditional upon the possession of a CBT certificare these days.
AFAIK, once you approach age 70 you'll have to renew anyway, since category C1 (7.5 tonne truck) and D1 9mini-bus) entitlement are rescinded at that age unless you specify that you wish to keep them.
Would appreciate confirmation of this from someone who's experienced it.
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Changing driving licence - R.P.
