DVLA licence renewal

twocals
twocals Forum Participant Posts: 117 ✭✭
edited June 2020 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Has anyone had problems renewing photo card licences. My licence expired  May 5th, renewal application sent  March 26th,  could not do on line because of HGV entitlements. Heard nothing  for weeks, was really worried it was lost , dvla confirmed by telephone that they had received my application, but due to covid 19 processing it was delayed. I read yesterday as from the 4th of June photo cards expiring from 1st of February to 31st August  have a 7 month extension . Just a heads up . 

Comments

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2020 #2

    I had problems with my last renewal but as long as you have submitted an application and it is being processed you can drive right up until the application is rejected anyway. The only drawback with that is if you want the licence to drive in another country in which case you are stuck in the UK waiting for a decision which right now isn't really a problem.

    peedee

  • Kontikiboy
    Kontikiboy Forum Participant Posts: 304
    100 Comments
    edited July 2020 #3

    Hi TC,

    Just spotted this one whilst searching for something else;  this is the third different “DVLA” version I have come across in recent weeks as well as three contradictions on the DVLA web site..    One said they were issuing temp one year licences without a medical.      I applied using a form I got from the Post Office but without the D4, by post 3 weeks ago, but have not had an acknowledgement.     I can’t do an application trace without the email receipt ref no.   Also, two different versions have been published by MMM.     I have had no luck ringing DVLA, because I am not a Key Worker.    What number did you use to get through to DVLA?

    Out of the blue I managed to get a medical at my practice last week and my optician filled out and signed the D4, so I have them up my sleeve, but they will only last 4 months.    Hope DVLA pull their finger out soon.

    I have got a photo image of my old licence, cheque, new photo, the form and the PO Recorded Delivery receipt in case I should I get stopped by the plod

    BillC

  • no one
    no one Forum Participant Posts: 216
    edited July 2020 #4

    I think they are still only renewing HGV and key drivers licensing, there is are articles in the the Motorhome magazines regarding this.

    If your application is already in then you can continue driving as it's 'in process' if the renewal application hasn't been made yet then you can no longer drive the until renewal is made!

    -warns-over-c1-renewal-delays

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited July 2020 #5

    The thing is how do you prove they have received your application. I posted my renewal three weeks ago using Royal Mail next day signed for, I expected some delay but when I rang RM yesterday they said DVLA received so much mail that they were only required to sign once for each bulk delivery.

  • no one
    no one Forum Participant Posts: 216
    edited July 2020 #6

      have just re read the statement posted in MMM (summer edition page 33), it basically says that car (B) license renewal can still be applied for over the internet but will take significant time to process (I assume B+E will be the same)

    All others (C1) that require a med cert (D4) will not be processed unless, you are a key worker or delivery driver, without the renewed license you cannot drive and there is no timescale when it will be sorted.

    Then it says  those with applications already submitted can continue to drive as long as:-

    your doctor says its ok, you already had a license, you drive iaw previous license, your application is less than 12 months old,  your last license wasn't revoked or refused on medical grounds, you are not currently disqualified, you weren't disqualified as high risk offender on or after 1/06/2013.

    If you can get a D4 medical you can submit your application but it will not be processed, but you can drive if you abide by the restrictions above.

    if you do not or cannot get a D4 medical you cannot drive even if you have made an application.

    apparently D4 medicals are starting to take place again, however DVLA will not except certificates from doctors on Wheels.

    I don't know if this clears it up or makes it more confusing!foot-in-mouth

  • AnnB
    AnnB Forum Participant Posts: 226
    edited July 2020 #7

    Not a problem with licence but with the V5 for motorhome.  I appreciate DVLA have fewer staff working but someone needs to get communications sorted a bit better.

    we Sorned our van in April and when we got the cheque noticed there was a letter missing from surname and on checking the V5 found that was the same and had never noticed.

    V5 and cheque returned on 3rd May and we got a corrected cheque within a week but not the new V5.  Still waiting patiently for 2 months.

    Wouldnt be a problem but yesterday I tried to renew the road tax and I couldn’t - didnt have a reminder reference, didn’t have the V5 ref number and stupidly I hadn’t thought to write it down thinking I could use the SORN letter to re-tax.

    Tried numerous times to ring DVLA but just get recorded message saying they are busy.  Tried web chat (not operating that at present), tried email but that service is withdrawn too.

    In the end we went to the Post Office and had to pay £25 to apply for the tax and a new V5.  To add insult to injury when the PO man tried to check the DVLA system the V5 record is still in the incorrect name so nothing has been done at all.
     Am I cross? Yes, with myself for not realising that removing the SORN wouldn’t be simple and also not checking the V5 which has been sitting in a drawer for 5 years yell

  • Haydn Emmett
    Haydn Emmett Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited July 2020 #8

    Hi Twocals, just renewed my heavy goods license sent paperwork off without medical as dvla are giving lorry drivers one years grace, so I will have to renew again next year.

    Hang in there DVLA are good at getting your license back to you I got mine back within two weeks after sending it off.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2020 #9

     Hang in there DVLA are good at getting your license back to you I got mine back within two weeks after sending it off.

    I agree. Once they are satisfied with your submission they can be very obliging. Needed mine urgently for travel abroad and they sent it special delivery.

    peedee

  • twocals
    twocals Forum Participant Posts: 117 ✭✭
    edited July 2020 #10

    Hi all, licence arrved yesterday, 13 weeks. Didn't require hgv entitlements but a slight delay due to medical issue. We sent recorded delivery as then you you get a tracking number for royal mail.