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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

A DVLA question

38 replies

Pinkorchide · 12/11/2021 10:24

Hi, not an AIBU but posting here for traffic, wondered if anyone else is having trouble getting through to DVLA, I sent my licence and application form off for its 10 year renewal a month ago and have heard nothing back. I know they received it because I have proof of delivery with signature. It’s impossible to phone them as I just get their automated message and then am cut off. Other option is to write them a letter which they probably won’t respond to either!

OP posts:
bravotango · 12/11/2021 10:46

Changed address so updated log book - from paying the fee to receiving it in the post took 6 months...sorry OP you could be in for a long wait! Didn't respond to any emails and I was cut off the phone too.

GoodnightGrandma · 12/11/2021 10:48

Yes, all you can do is keep ringing.
It really is atrocious and someone should be held accountable.

Original poster
Pinkorchide · 12/11/2021 10:49

@bravotango Thanks for your reply. Golly 6 months? That’s ridiculous.

OP posts:
Original poster
Pinkorchide · 12/11/2021 10:50

@GoodnightGrandma I will keep trying.

I suppose they’re blaming it on Covid.

OP posts:
OneDayInMyLife · 12/11/2021 10:53

I've recently re applied for my 3 year medical licence which runs out this month. I'm going to be so angry if I have to stop driving... ive heard nothing yet. Its been 6 weeks.

GoodnightGrandma · 12/11/2021 10:55

At this rate my DS isn’t going to be having the driving lesson I’ve booked for his 17th birthday.

FluffEverywhere · 12/11/2021 10:56

Where do you stand if your licence has expired since you sent off the renewal?

My DP is in this position. Couldn't renew online as his passport also expired, so did it by post around 9 weeks ago and now his current licence has expired..

lollipopsandrainbows · 12/11/2021 11:10

@OneDayInMyLife if you sent via recorded/signed delivery you can continue to drive under section 88. My partner is a HGV driver and continued to drive even though his medical had expired. It took 4 months to arrive.

Comefromaway · 12/11/2021 11:14

Dh yesterday received a reply for his medical form which he sent at the end of August. (They sent him another form to also fill in). He's currently driving on Section 88.

Gusthemouse · 12/11/2021 11:37

Just out of curiosity did you send the licence and v5 to the correct addresses and separate envelopes? I've recently moved house and sent both off but noticed they had slightly different addresses (both Swansea but slight difference). Posted both on Saturday am (to the different depts), received my licence back the following Weds and V5 booklet on the Friday morning. Was very surprised at how quick they were.

idontlikealdi · 12/11/2021 12:24

Mine has just come back in five days. Not helpful to you but has it got lost somewhere?

PheasantsNest · 12/11/2021 12:30

Ours all took 13 weeks to renew.

titchy · 12/11/2021 12:32

I've been waiting six months....

Don't worry about it OP, it's not against the law to drive without it (assuming it's just a normal renewal or address change).

Comefromaway · 12/11/2021 12:33

Anything that can be done online is coming back quite quickly. Anything with paper forms is painfully slow with medical forms especially slow.

TheLoveOfBrownies · 12/11/2021 12:35

Sent mine for a name change and new photo in September heard nothing. Friend just got hers back she sent in May so I'm not expecting mine back before 2022.

paddler78 · 12/11/2021 12:37

Did my renewal online on the Saturday and it arrived in the post on the following Thursday - was actually shocked to be honest!

GivememyowlbackSandra · 12/11/2021 12:40

I sent mine to change name and photo - sent away in May and received back in October. I tried to contact them so many times for an update with no success. Fingers crossed it's not too long.

Anniissa · 12/11/2021 12:41

My partner and I both applied for new address change at the same time. I received my new licence a few days later. His took a further month and a half. Seems to be pot luck really.

bloodywhitecat · 12/11/2021 12:42

@paddler78

Did my renewal online on the Saturday and it arrived in the post on the following Thursday - was actually shocked to be honest!
Online renewals are unaffected by whatever it is that is going on at the DVLA, it is postal applications that are being delayed (by months). My change of name took about 12 weeks. The system is broken at the DVLA.
bluesky45 · 12/11/2021 12:47

You can find out what date they are up to online. I checked the other day (Monday I think) and it said they were up to 19th August. We sent ours off around 15th September (name and address change for me and my husband) so we're not expecting it soon, maybe around Christmas or New year?

WonderWomansBoobs · 12/11/2021 12:51

@Gusthemouse I sent v5s and license in same envelope to change my surname and received the visa back quite quickly, maybe 4 weeks. Just got my license back this week after 3 months.

WonderWomansBoobs · 12/11/2021 12:52

V5s*

PocahontasMcGinty · 12/11/2021 12:53

You can find out the date they are currently processing here www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

TheLoveOfBrownies · 12/11/2021 12:55

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

Link for postal application dates

abigailsnan · 12/11/2021 12:57

I think it is just pot luck as to how quick they are I bought a new car last month and the dealership sent off the transfer forms and I received the new log book the next week I was very surprised.