DVLA are a PITA

bonerp

Well-Known Member
Messages
398
3 year renewal came up. Last time it took me 6 years to get my license back which involved independent Eye Specialists (as booked by DVLA) and finally an RDAC driving assessment (booked by them at my request). This swung it in my favour and was renewed.

This time I prepared; booked and paid for the same Eye consultant as last time and booked and paid for the RDAC myself allowing me to submit all the evidence within a couple of weeks of the Specsavers test which I knew I wouldn't naturally pass.
Wrote to DVLA in Nov explaining I'll do this when I applied for renewal which is due in April. Thought I'd get a head start giving me enough time to prepare it all....bad move.

Specsavers was same as previous 10 years so I know I'm going down the exceptional application process.

Eye consultant says says as 2013 and 2017 assessments he did.

RDAC say I have no issues to drive and very good ability and awareness. Luckily helped by a deer I avoided during the assessment which they were well pleased with!

However DVLA received just the Specsavers eye test first and they immediately revoked license. Next day all the remaining evidence was received and now sent it all off to them recorded - that was a week ago last Friday.

I've tried to call them 87 times (yes I counted - thats how much of my life I've wasted) and get cut off because 'they are too busy'. How the hell are we supposed to communicate with this organisation? I bet they haven't even got to my letter I sent in November. Can't email them. Can't phone them. No compassion whatsoever.

I'm furious and whatever the result I'm going to see my MP about their shoddy service. I wish I hadn't applied early as now don't have a license more than 2 months ahead of the previous one expiring. Just when I need it most as I am doing a house renovation 100 miles away from where I currently am living. #DVLAlifedestroyers
 
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Ipodlistener

Well-Known Member
Messages
179
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Idiots
I found repeat ringing on a Saturday got me through. However they just sent me a form. Got diagnosed in early November. Finally got my 1st 3 year licence last week. Removed categories because of the type 1 diagnosis. Held a full licence for nearly 30 years.
 

Oldvatr

Expert
Messages
8,470
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I submitted early in June 2021. Got the plastic photo ID back a couple of days ago. Did the same thing by including private sight test results with application. was not asked to do any other tests. I did not ring them and assumed I was covered ny the Act regarding driving while renewing.
 

Rokaab

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,159
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I did not ring them and assumed I was covered ny the Act regarding driving while renewing.
Though do note in this case that bonerp has had their license revoked, therefore the act regarding renewing doesn't apply as it has specifically been revoked
 

bonerp

Well-Known Member
Messages
398
BIG UPDATE - got my license back!!!!!
I managed to get through on the phone after ringing 117 times! Lady went away to check the extra evidence received.
Got a call this morning saying its been renewed and DVLA actually apologised as they should have put a marker on my record stating 'exception application process' and to wait until ALL the evidence was received.
So Specsavers test was a fail as I have minor blind spots in lower field of vision from laser treatment, which doesn't impact ability to drive.
They then required GP letter about my health, independent Eye Consultant letter which confirmed no change from previous years, and an RDAC driving assessment report stating my ability to drive. Last 2 I funded and were both great reports.
Happy days. If this can help anyone else...