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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To beg for help to contact dvla

58 replies

Cherrychocchip · 03/08/2021 13:12

I applied for my daughters provisional driving licence on 5th May. Payment taken. Lost the bloody application number since. I've tried to phone 100s of times but it is impossible to get through. License has not arrived despite paying for it. It shouldn't have taken anymore than 10 weeks maximum. I applied for my photo updating on mine and it took less than a week.
I've tried emailing and get a generic response and links that I can't access without the reference number. I've tried to verify it another way and it says details are wrong when they definitely aren't.
I've messaged via messenger and same as above applies. I honestly don't know what else I can do. Help!!

OP posts:
BernardoTeashop · 03/08/2021 13:37

The DVLA staff have been Striking for a long time now and there are terrible backlogs - not much help to you I’m afraid but at least you know why things are taking so long

icedcoffees · 03/08/2021 13:40

I don't think there's much else you can do.

Like PP said the DVLA are experiencing HUGE backlogs due to COVID plus there are strikes on top of that.

TeenMinusTests · 03/08/2021 13:43

Are you really sure you haven't go the application number hidden in your emails? You should have had it back by now as they are now processing letters from June21st.

Justcallmebebes · 03/08/2021 13:45

My step dad having same problem. He applied for his licence back after a medical issue. Not heard anything at all and can't get through on phone.

Didn't know about strike so thanks, I'll let him know

MattHancocksSexTape · 03/08/2021 13:45

Check your bank statement online - the application reference may well be the reference number on the transaction.

MattHancocksSexTape · 03/08/2021 13:46

Oh and search emails for stripe and worldpay - these are two payment providers the govt use.

Nove · 03/08/2021 13:47

Try twitter or an old-fashioned letter! I had a problem with my licence and was trying for nearly 8 weeks to speak to someone on the phone or web chat. Finally got a response from a Twitter DM telling me to put it in writing, I did that and they sorted the problem within ten days of getting the letter.

Original poster
Cherrychocchip · 03/08/2021 13:47

Defo not got ref number. Tried to search previous emails but can't go back that far. Dd's friend applied the other week and got hers about a week later. I think it's lost in post. Wonder if I can cancel it and get refund (via dispute through bank) then apply again?

OP posts:
Foobydoo · 03/08/2021 13:48

I still waiting for dds posted early June, it is a nightmare when you can't get through.

Tomnooktoldmeto · 03/08/2021 13:50

I think something has gone wrong, we ordered DS’s last Wednesday it arrived Saturday morning, DD’s non passport version and paperwork arrived today

I received emails for both applications within minutes and an email when DS’s was dispatched

DH was so impressed he got on and renewed his online at the weekend and received emails giving a 2 week estimate

ponyexpress22 · 03/08/2021 13:50

Hope you get it sorted. My sil having problems too.

Tomnooktoldmeto · 03/08/2021 13:51

It does say on the paperwork that if they don’t receive your paperwork in 40 days the application will be cancelled and you will be refunded

UrAWizHarry · 03/08/2021 13:51

I would dispute it via bank and reapply at this stage.

StormzyinaTCup · 03/08/2021 13:52

Waiting here too for DDs provisional. I was reading a couple of weeks ago that the DVLA currently have a three month backlog!

SpiderinaWingMirror · 03/08/2021 14:07

Has she got 2 middle names? Her name on the application may be first name, second name, first initial of third name, surname.
Had that with both my dds.

Original poster
Cherrychocchip · 03/08/2021 14:07

I don't recall having to send additional paperwork? Sure I had to scan her passport so it was all verified that way. Definitely not had an email saying it was dispatched. I honestly cannot remember every little detail about the application as it was so long ago. Just wish I had the sodding reference number!!

OP posts:
bluelavender · 03/08/2021 14:25

Ask your local MP's office for help

Excitedforxmas · 03/08/2021 14:30

I’ve been waiting since April. Online chat are useless and cut you off

Theunamedcat · 03/08/2021 14:32

Why can't you access your emails from that far back? Just do a search put the month you applied for it and download them?

lavenderandwisteria · 03/08/2021 14:35

Struggling too, I’ve changed the address on mine and I know they’ve got it as they sent a letter about car tax to my new address!

Bellend101 · 03/08/2021 14:36

I applied for my provisional on 2nd August 2020. I received it on 21st January 2021.

PattyPan · 03/08/2021 14:43

They have big backlogs at the moment. I applied to update my details weeks ago and haven’t heard anything.

SausagePourHomme · 03/08/2021 14:48

Are you looking for the email on your phone? If you look on a computer you can access older emails usually.

pluckedcactus · 03/08/2021 15:14

Are you sure you used the proper website? There are scam websites, someone I know fell for one.

pluckedcactus · 03/08/2021 15:16

Your browser history should show where you visited at least.