DVLA - possible nightmare!

Maydot

After trying to apply for a replacement for a lost license and change of details online I received a message asking me to contact the DVLA by phone. I called this morning and was informed that the DVLA have no details of me....at any address (not even the address I passed my test at):(

I was advised to complete my application by post. I'm in the process of doing this but decided to "google" for similar problems and almost wish I hadn't - ignorance is bliss! It seems I am not alone and there is no reasoning with the DVLA - I might have to take my test again!

I rely on my car for my job, I would have no option but to offer my notice as I would be unable to work, a full license and car owner are a requirement of my job. I am honestly in despair - I know the worst hasn't happened yet but the thought of losing my job has put me into full scale panic mode.

I was wondering if anyone else has had experience of this and had a "happy ending"? It seems BBC Watchdog ran a similar report some years ago but there are still fairly recent stories of people having to deal with police and courts due to what can only be a mistake on the DVLA's part.

I passed my test 24 years ago and have only ever had a paper license, I thought I had sent this off to the DVLA when I last needed to change address but they can find no record at all and I can't find the license.

Irenee2

I've heard about similar problems with DVLA - you must be very upset

When you applied for your job which you say

....... a full license and car owner are a requirement of my job ......

did your company HR dept not take a copy of your driving licence for their records - or at the very least have a note of the unique number of it

That's what I had to do in three different jobs when we had car owner/drivers with clean licences required

Good luck with DVLA

Ms_Chocaholic

Can you remember when you passed your driving test, is it fairly recently, does the test centre keep copies of driving test results?

Maydot

Thanks for the replies, just waiting for OH to get in so I can drop the bombshell, I feel absolutely worried sick.

Irenee2, I will contact HR tomorrow and see if they have a copy, would be really helpful if they did but they might just have looked at it - its the NHS so I'm hoping they might have been a bit more thorough!

Ms Chocaholic, it was 24 years ago and that test centre no longer exists, I don't even know if the DVLA keep records of test passes or whether they can get them from the DSA - I have such a bad feeling about this

katydo12

The DVLA should keep records surely. I'm guessing you didn't get a certificate when you passed and even if you did I'm sure after 24yrs it may be missing! I would imagine working for the NHS they would have taken a copy of your licence number etc. I can't beleive the DVLA, such a huge company could be so lax with information! Madness, I hope you get sorted chick. xx

forgotmyname

Heard of people having the licence come back with categories missing. I think this is the 1st where they lost the licence completely.

Isnt the licence number your name and DOB in a different order?

Should be able to tell you what it should have been.

How long ago has it been since you lost it or moved? Not received a ticket and its been revoked?

Maydot

From reading about similar cases online this isn't unusual sadly. I have read two replies that stated that many records went missing when the DVLA system was computerised and also of a fire which destroyed many records. I don't know how true this is.

I should be able to work out most of my license number but apparently two of the numbers are computer generated, so probably won't get far with that.
My license has never been revoked and I have no points or convictions. All the guy at the DVLA could tell me was that I don't exist on their database.

Have just broken the news to OH....we could be looking at surviving on one minimum wage if the worst happens, I think it's safe to say he's as shell shocked as I am.

Disney_Pluto

I'm a district nurse and I know when I was employed they took a copy of my driving licence, had to for legal reasons to prove I had a full licence. Hopefully it should have been kept with your personal file.

Hope you get this sorted. Good luck.

Chopper_Read

I wouldn't drive until you obtain proof of a licence.

If stopped your car will be seized.

keith1950

All the companies I have worked for and needed to use my car had a requirement that they made a copy of my licence each year and also checked that my insurance covered me for business use.

I suppose it depends on the size and the efficiency of the company.

forgotmyname

How long ago has it been since you lost it or moved? Not received a ticket and its been revoked?

How long though?