I say full, DVLA say provisional

[endomorph]

Well after reading many of the other posts on here seems I am not alone.

Today I tried to replace a lost driving license on the DVLA website. After several attempts and getting a big "NO" from the site, it told me to call customer services which I did.

After confirming my identity blah blah blah, they informed me that I did not have a full license, but a provisional, and they had no record of a full one !

{Jaw Drops}

I politely argued the fact with the customer services advisor, who in the end said that there had been many issues like this and there was nothing that could be done on the phone so they suggested I complete a D1 and send off with everything required and a covering letter explaining everything and they would "look into it".

Although I am sceptical about sending my passort in case they loose that - nearly £100 to replace these days !

I passed my test just after my 17th birthday (20 years ago) and can remember when, where and even the testers name (it was a name you don't hear very often - Mr Orange !). To be honest I can't remember the last time I saw my license, as over the years I have never needed it (I have only had one producer in 20 years !, never rent cars). Although it has been shown to employers when required (company cars .. etc)

I have taken note of the other similar posts on here and will take the appropriate steps, but any other advice would be gratefully received.

... Names of "senior people" at the DVLA that I can write to
... MP's to get involved
... Government departments to write to

I will not take this laying down, I am a stubborn git and will fight them all the way.

BTW Admin, have just donated to the libel fund - I am a fellow webmaster and have been in a similar situation so know that every donation counts

[MrShed]

Thats ridiculous!!!

Just a thought - might be worth seeing if the DSA/test centre have a record of you passing the test....?

[endomorph]

Would they keep / go back 20 years ?

[callumsgran]

If they do it will probably be on microfiche i would think
Worth a try

[MrShed]

they probably wont - but cant harm...

[crem]

perhaps one of your previous employers also has a copy that they kept when you were a company car driver.

[patdavies]

Originally Posted by crem

perhaps one of your previous employers also has a copy that they kept when you were a company car driver.

...but they probably won't admit to it, as such information should not still be in their possession - Data Protection Act

[crem]

Originally Posted by patdavies

...but they probably won't admit to it, as such information should not still be in their possession - Data Protection Act

Well the government don't seem to put much store in that act so hopefully one of his employers didn't either.

[callumsgran]

Originally Posted by patdavies

...but they probably won't admit to it, as such information should not still be in their possession - Data Protection Act

is there a law saying that information CANNOT be kept more than 6 years then?
I thought it was discretionary as to whether you wanted to dispose of data not compulsory

[endomorph]

Tried my employer, no they don't.

By should the DVLA not keep information / copies for things like this ?

It's their fault, they should have to do the hard work

[jbabf1]

Have you not got your driver number written down anywhere?

[crem]

Originally Posted by jbabf1

Have you not got your driver number written down anywhere?

Why would knowing the driver number help him? The number would be the same whether the license was full or provisional and as DVLA are not disputing he has a license, just it's status, then he will be no further forward.

On a similar note:-
Having noted all these DVLA problems that I didn't know occurred, (thanks CAG) I have just helped my wife apply for a new license to replace her old paper license. I have made sure we did this on-line so that we got an e-mail confirmation that the application was in and I am going to try and delay sending the original paper license back till the new one arrives (we have 21 days to do this I believe and they have promised the new one will arrive in 10 days so should be OK)

[jbabf1]

The driver number is direct access to all your records, i have to have my license renewed every three years and I have to send my old one back and get my new one, the only thing i have to keep is a copy of my driver number, i do actually have an old license with all my details on it but it is invalid by about twelve years, but i have also had a three way conversation with the DVLA and a hire company when my license was being renewed and all i did was tell them my driver number and they had all my details dating back to when i first passed my test!!!

[crem]

Originally Posted by jbabf1

The driver number is direct access to all your records,......
........ but i have also had a three way conversation with the DVLA and a hire company when my license was being renewed and all i did was tell them my driver number and they had all my details dating back to when i first passed my test!!!

But that's the point jbabf1. DVLA do not seem to be disagreeing that endomorph has a license, they are just stating that according to their records it is a provisional license not a full one.

Therefore if endomorph quotes the driver number, presumably they will once again confirm the files say "provisional"

[jbabf1]

I do agree with you in some respects but as it says in endomorph's post it is a lost driving license and after confirming his identity they said it was a provisional it may be possible that they have not gone through the correct records, I know it is a slim chance but as we know HUMAN ERROR can be involved!

[crem]

Originally Posted by jbabf1

I know it is a slim chance but as we know HUMAN ERROR can be involved!

From the many posts on here it is quite obvious that people employed at the DVLA are not HUMAN and have no compassion ,therefore HUMAN ERROR is unlikely to occur.

[jbabf1]

Originally Posted by crem

From the many posts on here it is quite obvious that people employed at the DVLA are not HUMAN and have no compassion ,therefore HUMAN ERROR is unlikely to occur.

No one can ARGUE with that