Lost driving licence dilemma

rorylando45

Hi all,

Hoping for some advice and guidance here. Yesterday my fiancee lost her wallet and it contained both her and my UK photocard driving licences. We are due to go on holiday to Slovenia this Saturday (6th August) and have a rental car booked from Ljubljana Airport with Sixt.

We have both ordered replacement driving licences from the DVLA - their official blurb is that a new licence can take up to 2 weeks to arrive, although the woman on the phone said it should be sent out tomorrow morning by 2nd Class post which in theory should arrive by Friday or Saturday - but is by no means guaranteed.

I emailed info@sixt.si and they just replied saying if I am unable to produce a valid licence, they will not be able to rent me a car. I have heard rumours of various rental agencies being able to accept a faxed document from the DVLA confirming my eligibility to drive, however, I asked Sixt this and they said it wasn't an option with them.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there anything we can do if the replacement licences don't turn up before Saturday?

I'm not sure what other rental agencies have a branch at Ljubljana airport, possibly one of them might be able to accept a faxed document from the DVLA.

It's essential for our holiday plans that we have a car, as we are planning on driving all around the country (Ljubljana, Skocjan, Postojna, Tolmin etc.), I don't think this will be possible without a car

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

-=rizla=-_2

To show you haven't got any points on your licence now the paper part has gone you can create a check code for rental companies to be able to see your endorsements online. I think you can also print a statement off.

w w w.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

What are the laws ref. having a driving licence on you when you drive in Slovenia?

rorylando45

-=rizla=- wrote: »

To show you haven't got any points on your licence now the paper part has gone you can create a check code for rental companies to be able to see your endorsements online. I think you can also print a statement off.

w w w.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

What are the laws ref. having a driving licence on you when you drive in Slovenia?

Thank you for your response, yes I did manage to get one of those documents already. I've emailed Sixt asking if that would be acceptable but I think I know what their answer will be.

Sixt said that if police pulled me over and I didn't have a valid licence, there could be "serious problems"

bigjl

I moved address recently and got my new Photocard in less than a week

On the 25th I send of the form and Medical for Provisional C and D entitlement to be added.

The Photocard came back on Monday.

So I would send off for replacement ASAP as it may arrive before you leave if you move quickly.

rorylando45

bigjl wrote: »

I moved address recently and got my new Photocard in less than a week

On the 25th I send of the form and Medical for Provisional C and D entitlement to be added.

The Photocard came back on Monday.

So I would send off for replacement ASAP as it may arrive before you leave if you move quickly.

Thank you. I submitted my application for a replacement this morning. Apparently it will be sent out by 2nd Class post tomorrow. If that is true, then it *should* arrive on or before Saturday (the day we leave) - but the DVLA guidelines say 3-5 working days and to allow up to a maximum of 2 weeks, so who knows. I'm fairly nervous cos if it doesn't arrive, our entire holiday plans are redundant.

bigjl

rorylando45 wrote: »

Thank you. I submitted my application for a replacement this morning. Apparently it will be sent out by 2nd Class post tomorrow. If that is true, then it *should* arrive on or before Saturday (the day we leave) - but the DVLA guidelines say 3-5 working days and to allow up to a maximum of 2 weeks, so who knows. I'm fairly nervous cos if it doesn't arrive, our entire holiday plans are redundant.

Hopefully you will be fine.

shaun_from_Africa

rorylando45 wrote: »

Apparently it will be sent out by 2nd Class post tomorrow.

Why not call up again and ask if it's possible to upgrade the postage to Special delivery if you pay for this. (They may accept a credit card payment over the phone).
It will cost £6.45 but is a guaranteed next day delivery.

rorylando45

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

Why not call up again and ask if it's possible to upgrade the postage to Special delivery if you pay for this. (They may accept a credit card payment over the phone).
It will cost £6.45 but is a guaranteed next day delivery.

Have already tried that twice, both times the very unhelpful member of staff said it's not possible and "everything goes out the same way". Even asked to speak to someone else and they refused.

Exemplar

Ordered my replacement license Friday at lunch. Was here today. Pretty good going.

rorylando45

Exemplar wrote: »

Ordered my replacement license Friday at lunch. Was here today. Pretty good going.

That's fairly reassuring. Will just keep my fingers crossed then!

Iceweasel

Don't worry too much mate - Slovenija has excellent public transport - both busses and trains.

If you don't get the driving licences in time check out the Tourist Office for info and reduced price passes before you leave Jože Pučnik Airport.