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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Absolutely fuming with renewing driving license.

187 replies

Gettingbysomehow · 10/06/2025 22:36

AIBU?
Fucking government online licence renewing site won't accept my photo because I've lost 5 stone and my face is thinner than the rest of my IDs. I assume that's what it is they refuse to tell you and after three attempts you are out.
I have to do it online because I've had major surgery and can't drive yet.
I'll lose my job if I go back without a driving license - it's compulsory.
The nearest post office to me that does it is 10 miles away in a warren of streets with no parking and there is literally nobody to take me.
What the fuck am I supposed to do then?
Excuse the swearing I'm just so stressed.
I've just had equal shit applying for my blue badge and that's going to take 3 months to process.
I'm trying to get better so I can return to work and it's just stress and more stress.

OP posts:
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ThinWomansBrain · 11/06/2025 07:46

Gettingbysomehow · 10/06/2025 22:42

I could yes but it costs £50 there and £50 back.

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is there a charitable driving scheme in your area?
My Father used to use one before he dies, and a friend volunteered for one for several years. Depends on area - some may be purely for medical appointments and hospital trips, but even so might be able to flex if you explained the circmstances.
I think some have a mileage based charge, but cost based rather than a commercial taxi, others invite donations.

HatesHorsesLovesShein · 11/06/2025 07:44

I recently helped my auntie in a similar situation renew hers by getting a paper form sent to her. She had to get a friend to print out a photo though. At a photo shop, so it wasn’t drama free.

Deluxecoffee · 11/06/2025 07:44

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Soal · 11/06/2025 07:42

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

She's quite unwell, why do you feel the need to be a dick about it?

Soal · 11/06/2025 07:42

BaldingMum · 10/06/2025 23:02

Lots and lots of negativity and excuses.

How would you have managed before this new online renewal process?

Just do that.

Yep, yep, she definitely got her medical problems from all those negative thoughts.
It is VAGUELY possible, don't you think, that she might also have struggled before the new process, and that despite your very simplistic view of the world, there is no easy way for her to do it given her circumstances?

Some right ubertossers on this thread.

Deluxecoffee · 11/06/2025 07:42

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

PhilippaGeorgiou · 11/06/2025 07:40

GallifreyGirl · 10/06/2025 23:20

Also my blue badge (first application and also the renewals) only take 7-10 days so I can’t imagine yours will be 3 months!

Well my last renewal took three months and that was routine where I lived. As advised I applied three months before the expiry date, and two weeks before the 3 months was up I was on at the local councillor because it hadn't been done, I was being told that it would be at least another four weeks, and I needed it for travel. The only reason it took three months was because I complained - it would have been at least 4 if I hadn't!

I have never understood the purpose of advice that says my experience is this so yours must be the same!

LillyPJ · 11/06/2025 07:39

Arr0w0fl0ve4321 · 11/06/2025 07:13

I read recently that DVLA is going to be a mobile phone app soon

It is currently in trial

In future there will be nobody carrying a little card license around

Unless they don't have a phone?

PotatoFan · 11/06/2025 07:39

Gettingbysomehow · 11/06/2025 07:32

Of course I have Im not an idiot. I have to get the application in today or I won't get the license in time to go back to work. I've been in hospital hooked up to all kinds of equipment so missed the renewal notice when it came in. My op went wrong and there were all kinds of complications and I've barely been able to do anything. You try being efficient and getting things done when you are on oxycodone and can barely move. Bloody hell have some empathy.

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You don’t need the new licence to arrive to continue driving. You keep your existing photocard until new one arrives, and so long as the application is in you can continue driving whilst waiting for it. See last bit of this page where it proves that.

https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence

Renew your driving licence

Apply online to renew your 10-year driving licence, full or provisional - cost, payment methods, documents and information you need

https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence

Original poster
Gettingbysomehow · 11/06/2025 07:37

IVbumble · 11/06/2025 05:48

Is your blue badge because you have had a hip replacement?

No. I had a hip replacement to try and fix the almighty mess in my pelvis caused by a congenital problem that wasn't picked up
when I was born. I've been trying to go to work and walk on stress fractures. It's been a right old mess. Now I have to train my muscles to walk the correct way later on in life. All this on top of a divorce and having to sell my house, find a new job and move across country the last few years. It's been horrendous.

OP posts:
Blinky21 · 11/06/2025 07:37

If you can't drive anyway can't you wait to renew your licence, then just get on the bus, I'm sure your work will understand if you are immobilised by an op. I'm not sure why all the drama

Original poster
Gettingbysomehow · 11/06/2025 07:32

PotatoFan · 11/06/2025 07:26

If you haven’t actually called and asked them to post the form, or retried the online application, then yes you’re making a drama of it.

Show quote history

Of course I have Im not an idiot. I have to get the application in today or I won't get the license in time to go back to work. I've been in hospital hooked up to all kinds of equipment so missed the renewal notice when it came in. My op went wrong and there were all kinds of complications and I've barely been able to do anything. You try being efficient and getting things done when you are on oxycodone and can barely move. Bloody hell have some empathy.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gettingbysomehow · 11/06/2025 07:27

When you live in a very rural area it's just hard to get anything done and shops and conveniences are miles away. It's just so frustrating when you follow the instructions to the letter and computer sez no and won't give you a reason why.

OP posts:
PotatoFan · 11/06/2025 07:26

Gettingbysomehow · 11/06/2025 07:24

Maybe I am making a drama of it but It's just all so frustrating because I'm in a lot of pain and just need to rest. I was confined to bed for15 months prior to my op and have horrendous muscle wastage and I've just had to deal with it alone. No help from the nhs or GP whatsoever, crawling to bathroom etc.
I've had to work from home to keep my job during all this doing a job that isn't in my job description, I'm clinical NHS so thats all been very stressful and this has been the last straw.
I'm going to just pay for the taxi and be done with it.

If you haven’t actually called and asked them to post the form, or retried the online application, then yes you’re making a drama of it.

LittleGoldOne · 11/06/2025 07:26

I did mine last week, i clicked the no photo option and it scarily linked to my passport photo and it used that one for me!

Original poster
Gettingbysomehow · 11/06/2025 07:24

Maybe I am making a drama of it but It's just all so frustrating because I'm in a lot of pain and just need to rest. I was confined to bed for15 months prior to my op and have horrendous muscle wastage and I've just had to deal with it alone. No help from the nhs or GP whatsoever, crawling to bathroom etc.
I've had to work from home to keep my job during all this doing a job that isn't in my job description, I'm clinical NHS so thats all been very stressful and this has been the last straw.
I'm going to just pay for the taxi and be done with it.

OP posts:
DisforDarkChocolate · 11/06/2025 07:22

I know this sounds odd but I couldn't do this for my passport on my phone but I could my husband's.

Original poster
Gettingbysomehow · 11/06/2025 07:16

ThatsNotMyTeen · 10/06/2025 22:59

Why are the taxis so expensive?! Where are you?

Very rural Somerset. Taxis cost a fortune here. I'm going this afternoon.

OP posts:
Theunamedcat · 11/06/2025 07:15

BaldingMum · 10/06/2025 23:02

Lots and lots of negativity and excuses.

How would you have managed before this new online renewal process?

Just do that.

They can't drive currently

They would have gone to a more local post office and sorted it before online

The taxi cost would still have been an issue

Arr0w0fl0ve4321 · 11/06/2025 07:13

I read recently that DVLA is going to be a mobile phone app soon

It is currently in trial

In future there will be nobody carrying a little card license around

PotatoFan · 11/06/2025 07:11

Lavenderfarmcottage · 11/06/2025 06:44

Often wish there was a go fund me for posts like this. I would gladly donate a few pounds & if everyone did, problem solved. I suppose people would end up exploiting though.

You should be cosy in bed inside and being cared for. I am sorry this is happening to you.

I think with these things you are better off just accepting the problem and going through it. Very sorry to say.

We don’t need a go fund me for things like this!! OP can retake the photo and try again or call the DVLA to get the form posted out to fill in from home.

Peaceandquietandacuppa · 11/06/2025 07:04

https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y

can you contact them and say you’ve no way of getting there?

What do you need to contact DVLA about? - Contact DVLA - GOV.UK

https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y

LakieLady · 11/06/2025 07:01

ThatsNotMyTeen · 10/06/2025 22:59

Why are the taxis so expensive?! Where are you?

I don't think it's that expensive. Approx 4 years ago, I had to get a taxi back from hospital 8 miles away, and that was £36. Ten miles would probably have been probably have been £45.

I have to renew my licence, and I don't have a current passport, so I hope I don't have all this aggravation.