Proving Your Identity

DS4215

Bit of a rant.

This morning I was scheduled to take a Microsoft certification exam - for those who don't know, these are computer-based tests undertaken at computer training centres or colleges. Each test normally costs £100 (or it might be $100) and are supposed to prove that you are proficient with certain aspects of Microsoft technology (other major IT companies run similar programs). This one was a special offer and cost me nothing, except petrol (~50miles) and parking (£1.80).

When I arrived, I handed over my id and it was refused because my photo driving licence was out of date (ironically I didn't send off for the replacement as it wouldn't have been back in time!). I also had on me a council tax bill, bank cards, NI card and a letter from HMRC. These are all sufficient to open a bank account or prove my identity for just about anything else I could ever want to do.

However, they insist on having valid government issued photo id - but in the UK we only have a driving licence (to prove we can drive) and a passport (to allow us to leave the country) but no mandatory ID. Even the money laundering legislation provides for people with no photo id to prove who they are using the above documents, but apparently this company (Prometric) can take your money and refuse to let you do what you've paid for :mad:

They don't even let you reschedule.

Luckily this time it didn't cost me anything except expenses, but it has (potentially - a pass was certainly not guaranteed!) stopped me getting a new professional qualification and I would have to pay to take it again.

con1888

Not sure on rules for opening banks etc but pubs and clubs also don't accept outdated photo Id around where I live ( Glasgow area)

However it should have been highlighted that the ID had to be in date before you went for the course.

newcook

I find it ridiculous that places wont accept out of date ID anymore. I used to use my old passport as ID as it was the only photo ID I had (non-driver) but it seems this is not allowed anymore (not that I can remember the last time I got ID'd )!

its stupid really as its still me in the photo!

fluffnutter

Have you thought about writing to them and asking what they suggest in the event that you have no driving licence or passport? Neither document is mandatory and there will be people who are therefore unable to take a Microsoft exam (seemingly). If you put it to them, perhaps they can advise what alternative they're willing to accept.

Keep banging on at them. Take it as far as you can. Write to Bill Gates and let him know that you're unable to get MS accreditation. I'd pursue it simply to be awkward I think. I hate banging my head against 'computer says no' rules (excuse the pun).

DomRavioli

OP, the majority of banks won't take out of date photo ID anymore due to AML rules.

Just get it renewed, and next time, make sure to check that it is valid before paying out for something which can be simply resolved.

fluffnutter

DomRavioli wrote: »

OP, the majority of banks won't take out of date photo ID anymore due to AML rules.

Just get it renewed, and next time, make sure to check that it is valid before paying out for something which can be simply resolved.

And for those who don't drive? Or don't own a passport? If you neither want to drive, nor leave the country, both seem an extraordinarily expensive way of simply proving your identity.

pukkamum

I found myself in a similar position at my bank when I tried to change my address.

They told me only a valid passport, driving licence or benefit letter was acceptable.

My passport was 3 weeks out of date and I had no intention of travelling abroad for a long while I didn't drive and wasn't claiming any benefits.

Computer said no so all I could do was cancel any bank correspondence to my previous address.

I wrote a letter of complaint but got nowhere.

Ludicrous.

Heffi1

Also as a word of caution, if you are stopped by the police and have out of date driving licence there can be a £1000 fine, so pay the £20 odd quid to renew it before the worst happens.

Tykva

I have moved to the UK recently and I find it a bit ridiculous. I don't have local driving license yet. I went to the bank to open an account, my passport wasn't enough, they wanted something with my local address on it. I went to register to the police, same there, except that address I will be staying at was on the visa, so they accepted. Same with the council tax. Anyway, I now got a NIN letter, so seems like It will work better than a passport with my birthdate and my photo on it. Oh, well..

[Deleted User]

The exam can be rescheduled. The test centre can easily re-do this it may be that they are refusing to do so. What happens if your car breaks down for example? Go onto the Prometric website and call their help line for examiners to complain.

Also check to see if the exam was a second-shot one where you get a chance of a free re-sit as you can use this to take the test the first time.

Sadly the proof of I'd does need to be valid.

DS4215

Spider_In_The_Bath wrote: »

The exam can be rescheduled. The test centre can easily re-do this it may be that they are refusing to do so. What happens if your car breaks down for example? Go onto the Prometric website and call their help line for examiners to complain.

Also check to see if the exam was a second-shot one where you get a chance of a free re-sit as you can use this to take the test the first time.

Sadly the proof of I'd does need to be valid.

It wasn't a second shot as I didn't actually pay for it (it was a free exam for sitting through an online 2-day course for a new product).

It was Prometric that told me it couldn't be rescheduled. They also will not reschedule them in the event of accident or illness unless you have a valid doctors note or other proof.