DVLA.. need to get their act together covid no no longer an excuse ..

[Bananadobana]

Hey, I dunno if anyone else is in my position or waiting for anything else from DVLA, but I have tried to contact them repeatedly by phone and line isn’t in action, web chat is off, and have send several emails. Won’t go into specifics but waiting on full driving licence, sent pass cert snd provisional. 3 months ago and heard nothing.. read up snd I can legally drive snd have pics in phone if prob licence and pass cert but still nervous incase this is an issue… 12 weeks!
Have heard of other folk who have had licence expire or waiting on provisional licence to be able to start lessons. I’ve just been through a hellish learning process with lessons and tests cancelled due to covid.. I heard instructors are booked out and can’t imagine how frustrated those wanting to learn must be if they can get a slot but can’t proceed with no licence. What’s going on!!???

I know they have a hold up with covid but this is crazy to have no phone line and webchat.. they say they have phone but it is constantly off line!!?

YANBU.
We applied for DD's provisional at the start of July. Took 10 days to get form back to sign & include up to date photo (passport too old). Have now been waiting 2 months ...

@Fairyliz

Aren’t you finding the same thing with every organisation you deal with, I am. Not just the DVLA but the council, bank, solicitors, tax office etc. There was a thread recently about people being unmotivated wfh. It obvious that lots of people are doing very little.

No, lots of places have been bad but the DVLA are definitely in particularly dire straits. I kick myself now for not reading about it before I posted my licence away. That was July and I sincerely doubt I’ll see it this side of Christmas, when the usual processing time would be three weeks. It’s just needless and unacceptable.

Dont forget that due to the Brexit shitshow, there are tens of thousands of EU-resident Brits with expired licences/photocards trying to get through to get certificates of entitlement. This is because little things like driving licences weren't considered important in the Great Christmas Eve Deal (the reciprocal agreement was only signed off in France, for example, at the end of June 2021). Advice for us is to try calling/signing on to Webchat the second they open.

2pinkginsplease

Not a single test available in the areas before February,
Can't see behind that as her theory test runs out then so will need to resist it if after.
We are checking daily, several times.

@RWeatherwax

If you’re trying to book a driving test through the DVLA, that would explain why you’ve encountered delays. DVSA administer testing, not the DVLA.

I can’t lie, I had some details that needed amending on my license. Did it all online and was back to me in less than 10 days. Does seem to be inconsistent but I’m sure they are trying their best. Didn’t they have their own outbreaks and the public health had to step in?

Oops, my mistake - mixed the initials up!

But yes, DVSA are also struggling massively to get on top of things!
Can't find a test in the area within the next 5 months; checking daily and have been for a while.

Now her lessons have restarted we will need to look at laying to use the cancellation service people have told me about. It might be the only way.

I think online works much better if you can do it, passport renewal 4 weeks and driving licence 2 weeks for me. Had to send in my old passport but did that by registered post just in case.

It’s such a lottery just now by the sound of it. It must be so frustrating.

@dementedpixie

They have been on strike which is why there is a huge backlog. It sounds like it will be ongoing for some time to come

The DVLA needs to contact and send a complimentary email appologising for its ridiculous situation... Looks like the Gov did no planning at all around Brexit