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Original poster

Can't get a provisional driving license because apparently I already have one... But I don't, or at least if I do I don't remember getting it...!?

56 replies

Liftwantedaroundtheworld · 16/08/2019 22:14

As title really.

I'm 40 and have recently started earning enough money that I can afford driving lessons at long last. But my forms for a provisional have been returned with a note saying I already have one Confused

It's not impossible that I applied for one as a student 20 ish years ago but I don't actually remember doing so and have no record of the license itself.

I've rung the DVLA numerous times to try and sort this out and they say that without either the license number or address used when it was applied for, they can't help me.

I don't have the license number because I don't have the license! I've searched all my old paperwork and nothing has turned up. I have absolutely no idea what address was used - if I did apply previously it would have been during my student years when I moved about 15 times in 3 years between 1998 and 2001, I don't even remember all my student and holiday addresses now and have no way to find them all out. I don't remember applying for a provisional at all, but it's possible I did on a whim (ridiculous as I would never have been able to afford lessons!).

WtF? Is there really no way out of this?

OP posts:
NinetySixer · 17/08/2019 09:54

Could you do a formal personal information access request. If you ask they have to provide you with all the information they hold on you.

RingtheBells · 17/08/2019 11:02

If someone had stolen your identity it might not necessarily have your correct address on it, and also doing a personal information request as NinetySixer said is a good idea

ElizaPancakes · 19/08/2019 13:59

I think you need to call back and assert that someone must have stolen your identity and therefore you need to follow that procedure. Don’t let them fob you off, they must have a process to sort out when that happens.

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Original poster
Liftwantedaroundtheworld · 29/10/2019 13:53

Returning to this to update!

I put in an SAR to the DVLA and they have now replied saying they will only release the data they hold on me if I give them either my license number or the address on the license!

So I'm no further forward... Any other ideas? I'm getting desperate, I really need to get driving asap.

OP posts:
Original poster
Liftwantedaroundtheworld · 29/10/2019 13:54

PS they know it's me, I provided passport details etc... They're just being bloody minded IMO Angry

OP posts:
SleepwalkingThroughLife · 29/10/2019 13:56

Did you contact your MP yet?

1984isnow · 29/10/2019 14:07

This is so strange. My dp recently applied for his provisional. They emailed him, asking if he had ever had one before, and if had ever lived at X address (which was one from 10 years ago or so) He replied 'possibly' and 'yes'. He got his license 2 weeks later, with a cheque refunding him half of the feeConfused

Some people are just right jobsworths.

I think it's possible they are mixing your details up with someone else.

JemilyJ · 29/10/2019 14:10

I think a formal complaint is the way forward.
Either that or a daily mail sad face

MythicalBiologicalFennel · 29/10/2019 14:18

I put in an SAR to the DVLA and they have now replied saying they will only release the data they hold on me if I give them either my license number or the address on the license

I'm sorry but can they do that? They have your name and passport details which should be enough to establish anyone's identity beyond any doubt. I don't see how they can refuse an access request on the grounds they are... If they can't refuse but will not cooperate what is the next step?

LizzieBananas · 29/10/2019 14:20

Watchdog or one of the money columns may be your next option?

ArnoldBee · 29/10/2019 14:38

It is fairly easy to workout what the license number would be as they follow a set pattern so you just need to find a few friends and have a go!

KnifeAngel · 29/10/2019 15:46

Could you go to your local police station and see if they will tell you what's on their records for you.

KnifeAngel · 29/10/2019 15:50

Could you try and work it out from this.

Can't get a provisional driving license because apparently I already have one... But I don't, or at least if I do I don't remember getting it...!?
Original poster
Liftwantedaroundtheworld · 29/10/2019 15:54

MP and I do not see eye to eye understatement so he really would be my very last resort!

@MythicalBiologicalFennel well that's what I want to know tbh! I've recently applied for and been issued with a new passport without any problems so it's not like I can't prove I am me Confused But how do I make them comply?

OP posts:
KnifeAngel · 29/10/2019 15:55

www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk/driving-record/personal-details

Try here with all the post codes you remember.

SleepWarrior · 29/10/2019 16:05

Have you spoken to manager or is it always the first person you get to in the call centre?

Get through to a manager and then I'd be asking what happens in the case of people who discover years down the line that someone fraudulently applied for a licence in their name? There must be a protocol and you'd like to know what it is. Are they saying such people can literally never learn to drive?

Also, something to that effect on twitter may help?

Wellmet · 29/10/2019 16:15

I'd stop saying that you 'may' have applied for one. Tell them clearly that you've never had one, so it must be a case of fraud. They must have a department that deals with this.

RosesAndLilies · 30/10/2019 01:56

What happened when you claimed it was identity theft?

It's so bizarre that they are being so unhelpful

3luckystars · 30/10/2019 02:22

Can you call in to the office?

ColdCottage · 30/10/2019 03:26

Agree must be fraud. Tell them so this should sort it. Good luck

MythicalBiologicalFennel · 30/10/2019 07:18

Police for possible identity theft? You have tried to clarify things but the DVLA will not cooperate...

Oblomov19 · 30/10/2019 08:06

Blimey. I can't believe this is so hard!

MarigoldGlove · 30/10/2019 08:22

I would stop saying you might have applied in the past too.

ineedaholidaynow · 30/10/2019 08:31

How are they making the
connection between you and the provisional licence?

Awkward1 · 30/10/2019 08:48

Could you go to their offices?

I would be telling the dvla you need the info to report to police as fraud and theyshould be concerned that they are aiding someone in their fraud by not letting you cancel that other license.
i would also point out that having been in so many shared locations make it more likely someone could have fraudulently done this.