Driving Licence query

MKwife

Not sure if this is the place to put this.

My cousin passed his driving test in 1998, and sent off all the documents straightaway for his real licence and forgot all about it. However his real licence never came.....

Eventually, he did ring the DVLA who informed him that that had on record the date he passed his test but as they did not receive the documents, he would have to re-take his test as 2 years had passed since he passed his test by this point.

He has never re-taken his test and he really doesn't know what to do. It has been 8 years since he passed his test now and he is still driving, etc. He has made insurance claims, etc just like a normal full licence holder.

It is very expensive to learn to drive and take tests etc and he doesn't have the money for it.

I said I would ask on here to see if anyone else has any ideas as to where he stands and what he should do.

Thanking you in advance.

alwaysonthego_2

I can imagine if he has to take his test again, then it is illegal for him to be driving without supervision and 'L' plates.

It does state on Dvla documentation that you have to apply for your licence within two years of passing the test. So I don't think he as any alternative but to resit his practical and theory. Expensive yes, otherwise face an hefty fine and if he gets 6 or more points before repassing his test then his licence will be revoked as soon as the test is passed and there will be another test to be taken again.

MKwife

I totally agree, but he did apply for his licence within 2 years. The only explanation is that the forms must have got lost in the post.

Unfortunately he did not do something about it straight away, he just forgot to chase it up until it was too late.

ailuro2

He could have a couple of lessons with an instructor to get him up to date with how he should be driving, then put in for his test.

I agree it's not his fault he never got the docs, but he should have chased them up...rules is rules after all:rolleyes:

How will he hire a car on holiday if he doesn't have a full licence?

I'd also reckon it would be easier to do it now than after the test gets even more difficult.

southernscouser

He definately needs to resit his test.

Putting aside the fact what he is doing is illegal, if he were to be in an accident he wouldn't be covered by his insurance. He could find himself facing big repair bills and possible claims for injuries caused etc.

I don't think he has any come back with the DVLA. 9 years is quite a time to wait, even for Royal Mail! :rotfl:

paddy's_mum

I think that your cousin needs to stop driving NOW, and however expensive/difficult/awkward the timing, take his test at the first opportunity.

I am pretty sure that if you lack any part of the 'proper' driving documents such as a valid MOT or full driving licence, your insurance is automatically invalidated.

How awful if he/she had a prang next week, someone is disabled for life and because your cousin is effectively uninsured, the injured person succeeds in a claim for personal damages that eats up every penny of your cousin's earnings for the next twenty years!

(Sorry, southernscouser - our posts crossed!)

pusscat

Mr P did exactly the same thing with his motorbike license. It is not an uncommon event.

Unless the cheque was cashed by DVLA (in which case they forgot to send the license to you) you do not have a leg to stand on. The only thing you can do is re-take your test (including the theory test now) and start again.

You are NOT insured as technically you have lied on your insurance details aout having a full license, you are also driving illegally and could quite easily be stopped by the police.

Driving without a license and without insurance is not fair on those of us who choose to follow the rules - your cousin cocked up by not checking he had got his license back - he needs to put it right, even if that costs him

Puss
xx

MKwife

I have passed on all your views to him and he is going to apply for his provisional again and re take his tests. Surprised to hear this is common as I have never heard of people doing this before!!

Thanks for all your advice. :rolleyes:

pennypitstop_2

Hi
I'd just like to add that he could be stopped by the police at any moment, too - it happened to me recently because I had a back brake light that was out and i hadn;t realised. Something like this means that often, you have 7 days to produce all your documents at the police station and they check all is as it should be as part of the procedure. Even if he is an excellent driver, he could very well be caught out unexpectedly. Is there any way to double check that the cheque he sent all those years ago went unpaid? As horrible and expensive as it is, taking a driving test may be the only way to make sure he is legal on the roads.

pusscat

MKwife wrote: »

I have passed on all your views to him and he is going to apply for his provisional again and re take his tests. Surprised to hear this is common as I have never heard of people doing this before!!

Thanks for all your advice. :rolleyes:

We had never heard of it before either - but when Mr P booked himself some motorbike lessons to prepare for his test number 2 the school said that it is quite a regular thing.

Puss
xx

pinkshoes

I guy a work with lost his license for something (no doubt idiotic!), then after his ban had finished, he applied for his provisional again, then retook his test and passed. After passing your test, you have 12 months to send off for your full licence, which he forgot to do, so now he no longer has a licence AGAIN, and if he wants it back he'll have to take his test again.

Your cousin is not permitted to drive on the roads, and it is illegal, and entirely his fault for forgetting to query where his license got to... such is life! he should stop driving immediately, and re-apply for his provisional, then take his test. If he's been driving for that long, and not picked up too many bad habits, then he shouldn't have a problem passing!