Didnt validate driving lisence within 2 years, must re-take test? any way around it?

[arwyn200]

hi,
im actualy posting on behalf of a friend who has just been informed by the dvla that he has expired the 2 years time limit to validate his lisence (he did not send in his certificate + documents) and so must re-do his theory and practical test!?
initialy i thought he's misunderstood but their web site seems to confirm this. He passed his test 2 years and one month ago. The dvla has record of his theory pass, and excacly when + where he passed his practical, but cannot provide him with a lisence?? this can t be right?
he relies on his car for his teaching studies
any information / advice would be greatly appreciated

[Rob S]

I'm afraid that's the way it is. Your friend will have to re-take both the theory and practical tests again. The only upside is that on passing the test next time around there is a system in place now where the succesful candidate can let the driving test examiner forward the licence direct to DVLA for the licence to be upgraded with the full licence category.

[arwyn200]

thanks for the reply . . . a harsh lesson learnt and a warrant for some teasing i'd say!
not sure what you mean by the upgrade, i assume it s the same category as everyone else who have validated their lisence except he can get the test examiner to do it for him?
thanks again for your help

[389shell]

Crickey, imagine if he fails his practical next time round now that would be teasing time!

[Tom87]

It certainly does seem harsh but then at the same time it seems very silly to have not bothered to send the certificate after having two years to do so!