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Original poster

DVLA waiting

25 replies

MistySkiesAfterRain · 06/07/2021 13:20

I wrote to the DVLA 5 weeks ago to request a replacement driving license sent all the post office forms and a cheque but still not heard anything. What are others experiences of waiting times?

They can't find me on the online portal with my old address, so applying online isn't an option.
According to Check Your License on gov.uk my license expired in 2003 (obviously I haven't been driving), so I do exist on the system. It's just frustrating not to hear anything nor to be able to contact them at all by phone or email, as I just want to drive now.

OP posts:
Original poster
MistySkiesAfterRain · 06/07/2021 13:22

It's actually making me quite depressed. I should have sorted my license ages ago I know.

I think I might repost everything recorded and signed for, as I am a pain in the ass Grin

OP posts:
ScottishNewbie · 06/07/2021 13:22

I am in the EXACT same situation as you. I have been told at least 6-10 weeks by DVLA. But could be even longer due to strikes.

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 06/07/2021 13:25

I recently helped my friend do a change of name by post. She heard nothing at all until her new license arrived through the letter box 8.5 weeks later. Another friends dc applied for his provisional driving license in February & it arrived late May so I'd say they've just got fairly long wait times atm. Keep an eye out for the cheque going through if it hasn't already.

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Original poster
MistySkiesAfterRain · 06/07/2021 13:31

Oh gosh replies already Grin. Pleased its not just me but its so frustrating isn't it! Ah thats super helpful to have an idea of timeframes i.e. up to 12 weeks. I just literally need something to look forward to, so in the meantime I can research cars and reread the highway code and make some other plans, if its earlier than 12 weeks then I will see it as a bonus.

OP posts:
mummabubs · 06/07/2021 13:35

I'm in the same boat- changed my address recently so cut up and sent my old licence back along with the form 8 weeks ago, nothing so far. I also had to change my address for my car V5C log book, which was also sent to the DVLA... Had a new one back in 3 days! 😳 In a way I'm glad to see others in the same position as I'd been getting ready to chase them as I assumed they'd lost the application. I'm 33 but aware that I still get asked for ID under challenge 25 and it feels a bit unnerving not having a driving licence to hand!

queenie273646 · 06/07/2021 13:50

I wanted over 2 month for mine it just randomly showed up one day it may of even been 3 month it was a long time though.

Rillington · 06/07/2021 14:27

They are quoting up to a 12 week wait now. They are constantly on strike. It's terrible for people waiting. Some have lost their jobs as a result.

TwoBigNoisyBoys · 06/07/2021 14:35

I’ve just experienced this too. Had to reapply for my dads licence, as it was due to expire due to his age. Sent it recorded delivery April 11th…he got it back 10 days ago. Awful customer service, nobody answering phones, ridiculous ‘bot’ online query system and will only enter into an online chat if you declare you are a key worker. Would not confirm they’d received it the application, even though I had it tracked and confirmed as signed for and delivered. Absolutely appalling service. I was trying to get to speak to someone for nearly 4 hours one afternoon, ended up almost in tears through frustration. However…all I can say is it did turn up, eventually!

Original poster
MistySkiesAfterRain · 06/07/2021 15:55

I hear you @TwoBigNoisyBoys. The whole system sends you round in circles. I have ADHD and its literally all my triggers. Not a fan of the bot.

OP posts:
Redcrayons · 06/07/2021 16:39

www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

Someone posted this on another thread to give you an idea of wait times, although I’m not sure how accurate it is.

Customer service is an absolute shocker, it’s not just you. Don’t even bother with the bot.

kindlekeeper · 06/07/2021 16:42

I did mine a couple of months ago and it was completed in a few weeks. Ditto my son’s provisional licence form. I completed the online application and received the written form within a week. Posted back recently, hopefully not too long a wait again.

HelloCanYouHearMe · 06/07/2021 16:51

I know this doesnt help but I had my licence renewal turned round online in 5 days - applied last monday, new licence arrived on Friday.

I do know of a few HGV drivers who had to renew theirs and now can't work because their new licences havent turned up yet

Redcrayons · 06/07/2021 17:02

If you have a recent passport photo you can do it all online and there’s no delay.

If you have to have anew photo, and send it back then it’s stuck in the sacks of mail they aren’t opening because of the strike.

whereismycase · 06/07/2021 19:44

@Redcrayons

If you have a recent passport photo you can do it all online and there’s no delay. If you have to have anew photo, and send it back then it’s stuck in the sacks of mail they aren’t opening because of the strike.
That’s only if it’s a straightforward renewal. Most class above a car needs forms completed and posted.

A friend is awaiting a medical and has been since November last year. Still no appointment though with a consultant.

Original poster
MistySkiesAfterRain · 07/07/2021 19:42

@Redcrayons

www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

Someone posted this on another thread to give you an idea of wait times, although I’m not sure how accurate it is.

Customer service is an absolute shocker, it’s not just you. Don’t even bother with the bot.

Ah this is so helpful thank you!
OP posts:
H1978 · 07/07/2021 19:51

Dh got his today after 6 weeks.

Rillington · 07/07/2021 20:53

It was me that posted the link to the dates they say they are working on. I don't think it's accurate though. They are striking for three days this week. It's a complete shambles.

GiantKitten · 08/07/2021 07:51

Guardian Money had an article about it yesterday!
Sounds a real mess Hmm

www.theguardian.com/money/2021/jul/07/dvla-officials-to-be-quizzed-by-mps-over-driving-licence-delays

MrsDonnelly · 08/07/2021 08:29

Dealing with the DVLA is the stuff of nightmares. Shocking customer service. I cannot believe that their phone service gets away with saying how busy they are before just cutting you off. No option to join a queue or get a call back. They infuriate me

DecorChange · 08/07/2021 08:38

Its a joke. My brother has to renew his license for medical reasons. Been waiting 18 weeks now. In that time he's been told not to drive. Then last week was told oh yeah you can drive. He needs to drive as he can't get around otherwise.

Original poster
MistySkiesAfterRain · 08/07/2021 16:30

[quote GiantKitten]Guardian Money had an article about it yesterday!
Sounds a real mess Hmm

www.theguardian.com/money/2021/jul/07/dvla-officials-to-be-quizzed-by-mps-over-driving-licence-delays[/quote]
Oh good I won't write to my MP then, that was my further on plan.

OP posts:
Original poster
MistySkiesAfterRain · 08/07/2021 16:33

[quote GiantKitten]Guardian Money had an article about it yesterday!
Sounds a real mess Hmm

www.theguardian.com/money/2021/jul/07/dvla-officials-to-be-quizzed-by-mps-over-driving-licence-delays[/quote]
Although in many ways I imagine the evidence needed to present to iParliament somewhat diverts time and resource away from solving the problem.

OP posts:
Original poster
MistySkiesAfterRain · 08/07/2021 16:34

Not iParliament.

OP posts:
AbsolutelySure · 08/07/2021 16:35

Yep 10 weeks for me, i sent a provisional licence which they returned with a form that needed signing, I signed and returned it and now I am waiting for another letter to be sent to me.

Im also waiting for a refund which ive been waiting for since June 2020. Ive written my third letter today

theadventuregoeson · 08/07/2021 18:42

@DecorChange

Its a joke. My brother has to renew his license for medical reasons. Been waiting 18 weeks now. In that time he's been told not to drive. Then last week was told oh yeah you can drive. He needs to drive as he can't get around otherwise.
My husband has been waiting since last year.
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