Paul W
Member
So some of you may know me, I post a bit. I was HRO (and dependant until 2017) and been going through the yearly medical fiasco ( which i agree they should do by the way) and i've just completed year 4 - every time 1% CDT or lower (I'm teetotal now since 15th Oct 2018). This year is the FASTEST I've had my licence renewed DESPITE the fact there was a 3 week delay as they lost the paperwork from the doctor conducting the medical.... sigh...
So here is the weird thing.... my licence expires mid march. I always complete the paperwork and get it to them recorded delivery first week of Jan and WITHOUT fail it takes them until November to grant me a licence again. In between I drive under section 88.
This year I got mad..... i was planning a driving holiday in south of France, told DVLA - had to cancel the holiday as France doesn't recognise section 88 (and why should they, their country, their rules) in August I was due to drive the car for my eldest son's wedding - the hire car company would not allow me as i couldn't show a current driving licence (again I don't blame them, it was an old classic car and I understand). But that was a final straw, coupled with the lost paperwork.
So i crafted a long complaint to DVLA - yes i understand this is what you need to do, BUT even when you grant me a licence I only ever have it for 3 months or so over winter which means 1) I can't look for jobs that involve driving, 2) My holidays are ruined 3) You just stopped me from driving my sons wedding car 4) the stress driving under section 88 if I get a stop by the police........ Appreciate you need to do your job but do it QUICKER! Its my fault I drove while drunk - no question about that. But I've done my bit now (ban ended 2019) and I continue to do my bit. Now you do yours.....
Renewed Licence arrived today (21st November for 1 year again.... sigh) but instead of renewing mid March 2023 (Which all previous times it did) its now renews mid November! Driving holidays here i come!
PS - still not had an official response to my complaint......
So here is the weird thing.... my licence expires mid march. I always complete the paperwork and get it to them recorded delivery first week of Jan and WITHOUT fail it takes them until November to grant me a licence again. In between I drive under section 88.
This year I got mad..... i was planning a driving holiday in south of France, told DVLA - had to cancel the holiday as France doesn't recognise section 88 (and why should they, their country, their rules) in August I was due to drive the car for my eldest son's wedding - the hire car company would not allow me as i couldn't show a current driving licence (again I don't blame them, it was an old classic car and I understand). But that was a final straw, coupled with the lost paperwork.
So i crafted a long complaint to DVLA - yes i understand this is what you need to do, BUT even when you grant me a licence I only ever have it for 3 months or so over winter which means 1) I can't look for jobs that involve driving, 2) My holidays are ruined 3) You just stopped me from driving my sons wedding car 4) the stress driving under section 88 if I get a stop by the police........ Appreciate you need to do your job but do it QUICKER! Its my fault I drove while drunk - no question about that. But I've done my bit now (ban ended 2019) and I continue to do my bit. Now you do yours.....
Renewed Licence arrived today (21st November for 1 year again.... sigh) but instead of renewing mid March 2023 (Which all previous times it did) its now renews mid November! Driving holidays here i come!
PS - still not had an official response to my complaint......
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