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Original poster

DVLA Number that actually gets me a human?

70 replies

Ghoulette · 28/10/2021 11:26

Trying to get DP's provisional sorted (came back from 8 years overseas recently so needed to renew).

0300 790 6801 gives a spiel and then "Goodbye". Webchat is never available.

They said it would take 3 weeks to process. Does anyone have a working number where I can talk to an actual human?

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 28/10/2021 14:56

Wait.

Wait the ten weeks they suggest, before contacting them. Then wait some more.

DDs provisional licence arrived after 13 weeks.

It seems the only thing you can do is wait.

I applied super early so DD could have hers by the time she is 17- we had so much faff with DSs last year, as it took 6 months to receive his, I learned my lesson.

Comefromaway · 28/10/2021 15:17

My V5 came through in a week too but it all depends if it was done online or through the post.

KateTheEighth · 28/10/2021 15:23

12 weeks here

It's a disgrace

I've complained using their online complaints thing but get a useless response saying it might take 10 weeks 🙄

We applied online but had to complete a form which was sent to us after we applied. Since then, nothing

Absolute pile of shite

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Driving & parking
Dogatetheleftovers · 28/10/2021 16:47

We’ve been waiting more than 6 months for licence to be sent following medical advice! Even our MP wrote to them and they ignored their letters too! We’re still waiting, it’s appalling how they can act in this way when people’s livelihoods and welfare are at stake.

Tomnooktoldmeto · 28/10/2021 18:00

If you’re going to apply online with a passport is the way to do it

Applied for DS in Aug and as it was online from a passport it arrived in less than 3 days

Currently waiting for DD’s which I applied for this morning the same way, we’ve all placed bets, I’m the optimistic one and say it will be here on Saturday

We only applied for her passport on Tuesday (fast track) and it arrived before 9 today

TSSDNCOP · 28/10/2021 18:36

God loves a tryer OP.

TSSDNCOP · 28/10/2021 18:38

6 weeks to get a response to a question to Immigration.

soupey1 · 28/10/2021 18:48

I have been waiting over nine months for a change of address due to a restriction on my license because of disability. I have tried phoning multiple, multiple times plus webchat but haven’t got through yet!

110APiccadilly · 28/10/2021 18:59

Someone will probably come along and say this is an abuse of the system (and maybe it is but the system is clearly broken), but if you can find a number for a Welsh language phone line, there's a chance that will go straight to a real person.

LynetteScavo · 28/10/2021 20:44

@Tomnooktoldmeto

If you’re going to apply online with a passport is the way to do it

Applied for DS in Aug and as it was online from a passport it arrived in less than 3 days

Currently waiting for DD’s which I applied for this morning the same way, we’ve all placed bets, I’m the optimistic one and say it will be here on Saturday

We only applied for her passport on Tuesday (fast track) and it arrived before 9 today

Do let us know! We also used a fresh passport, but it still took 13 ish weeks.

girlsyearapart · 28/10/2021 20:54

I applied for my 3 year restricted licence in the first lockdown. All I get is emails saying to persevere on the phone. It’s totally ridiculous

Tomnooktoldmeto · 28/10/2021 21:47

@LynetteScavo it’s already been processed, DS’s as I say in Aug only took 2days I applied late on the Wednesday and it arrived Saturday morning

The main problem sees to be if it requires a paper document to be filled in supplementary as it then turns an online into a paper which joins the back of the queue which is 3 months +

Totally online without anything else can be processed by the at home workers in minutes

DobbleDobble · 28/10/2021 21:54

Am waiting for renewal of licence.
Cannot get through on any resource like live chat /telephone or email.
It’s a bloody disgrace and of course the government are not stepping into assist one of their own agencies as per nor are they highlighting it in the news.
The reason there’s a shortage of hgv and psv drivers is not because of covid or brexit like the government are telling us, it’s because 1000s are stuck waiting for their licences to be renewed and some cannot drive until it’s reviewed by this shower of shite department, grrrr can you tell I’m fuming yet?!

Dollartuckedinsidemyshoe · 28/10/2021 22:13

Honestly redial continuously and you will get through, you just need to be able to sit for an hour doing it. I’m not saying that’s an ideal situation but if you want to speak to someone it will work, I just hung up as soon as I got the recorded message or call busy and dialled again. Of course once you get past that you then have to sit in the queue for an adviser.

I sat with my iPhone and just redialled continuously and by doing that spoke to a person 4 times. Sent my DD’s license off in August and got it back at the end of Sept despite them wanting paper docs

user1471530109 · 28/10/2021 23:00

I've just emailed my MP. I won't hold my breath (I wish he was a back bencher tbh) but thankfully see the Birmingham Mail have picked up on this story.
@DobbleDobble you are absolutely right Halloween Angry

mellongoose · 29/10/2021 06:33

@Ghoulette

Trying to get DP's provisional sorted (came back from 8 years overseas recently so needed to renew).

0300 790 6801 gives a spiel and then "Goodbye". Webchat is never available.

They said it would take 3 weeks to process. Does anyone have a working number where I can talk to an actual human?

Your MP. They will sort it.
Nobranothanks · 29/10/2021 06:50

We applied for a provisional HGV license (with medical) for someone in April. In 2nd week of July they returned the application as by the time they'd got to it the medical was expired. On 26th July we sent another application with a new medical..... Its now the end of October and we've had nothing back at all.

And people wonder why there's an HGV shortage!

DontGiveAFlyingFig · 29/10/2021 07:30

It's a truly abysmal 'service'.

I agree online is the way to go, I renewed DS's passport online and it came back in about a week, same with his provisional driving license.

However we bought a car in August and still waiting for the V5, this was a postal application. We did get a letter a few weeks ago to say they'd be processing it at the end of this month. Instead of sending a letter they could've just processed it Hmm

LynetteScavo · 29/10/2021 07:46

@Tomnooktoldmeto I don't understand why they require the extra paperwork from some and not others- there was no reason for DD to be asked to complete the paperwork, as her passport was brand new, recent photo etc. It makes sense that if paperwork isn't required someone can just press a button and it's done.

DH an I were wondering why they can't increase staff and have more office space- so things can get moving quicker. It's frustrating for people who want their licence and embarrassing for DVLA.

GoodnightGrandma · 29/10/2021 07:49

Just keep trying on that number.
I must have rung hundreds of times on that number over a couple of weeks, I either got engaged or the message. Eventually someone did answer, just keep trying.

PheasantsNest · 29/10/2021 07:51

@LynetteScavo there is an issue with their system where they can't read newish passports. That's why you have to send a paper form in.

@DontGiveAFlyingFig not everyone has a passport so don't have the option of applying online.

catsandshoes · 29/10/2021 07:53

Waiting for dvla medical renewal here- paperwork went in may 2020. No issues driving, nothing changed, just medical renewal. STILL no new license even now. It's extended, so can still drive, but it's annoying. It's been well over a year. Just print the photocard and send it!

A few years ago, took 5 months for same type of renewal, they allow 6 months extension after it ran out for this. Caused problems getting a new vehicle at the time though.

Tomnooktoldmeto · 29/10/2021 08:29

@PheasantsNest that’s simply not true, if you read my first post, we only applied for DD’s passport on Tuesday this week as a fast track purely to circumvent this situation

The passport arrived yesterday before 9, I applied for the driving license before 9.20 and received an email that it had been processed later

I will update when it arrives but DS’s took less than 3 days in August this way

I have more trouble with post than anything else, our postman have confirmed that we’re only getting deliveries 50% of the time due to shortages

user1471530109 · 29/10/2021 08:34

@catsandshoes No! Shock that's bloody shocking. Have they actually contacted you to say it's been extended etc?
This is my main worry. That I'm blissfully unaware they never received it. I live and work rurally. No licence. No job.

Beachybeach · 29/10/2021 08:41

I’m worried incase they’ve lost my application. I applied in late July and online it says it’s waiting for my application back?!

I guess because my passport is 7 years old they needed a new photo.

But I can’t get hold of anyone! Sent quite a few emails and tried to call.

I’m dreading applying again as I need my licence asap!

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