What Forms Do I Fill In?

Hi guys,

Found myself in quite the pickle! I did a short jail term (6 months) in 2016 (stupid messy eBay fraud - didn't kill anyone, ha). During that period, my 4-year short permit driving licence expired. I lost paperwork (and my old plastic licence) during all the upheaval. I think it expired in November 2016, but I don't know for sure.

I have only recently got myself back into the position to afford a car and to actually drive again.

I tried to use the Goverment Gateway to renew my licence, but as I only have a passport, I couldn't pass all of their security checks. They don't accept my Nationwide checking account and I don't have the other things they require like council tax bills, mobile phone contract etc.

When I clicked on 'Other Ways to Renew Licence', there are lots of forms. The DVLA themselves don't seem to know which one to fill in; neither do my doctors or any of my diabetic friends! I have held a full driving licence since the age of 21 (17 years). But before, I have always applied for a new licence when my other one is about to expire. I have never left it until it actually expired, let alone 18 months (or more) later.

I am currently looking at the DIAB1 form from the DVLA, but I don't know if that is just to 'update' the DVLA of a new condition (diabetes)...or whether this will result in them issuing a new plastic licence. I don't know if my picture needs updating (I've had the same one since I was 21).

Sorry for the long-winded post. Stressing a little because it took me three years to pass (7 tests later due to nerves on the day!) --- and I don't know where I stand now. I don't have hypos, my blood sugar is well controlled and my last HBA1C results were 37 (5.7ish). Still on just two injections a day (Humilin M3). 10st 8pounds at 5feet 9inches. Positives come from negatives...I lost two stone in prison and got 'fit'. I had lost control of the diabetes in the year before, but now it's all good again.

If you could point me in the right direction, that would be awesome. To summarise... My licence expired some time in 2016 and I've lost the plastic card. I have a counterpart with my Driver's Number. I'm struggling to do it online because I don't have the necessary proof of who I am (just a passport). I'm currently looking at the DIAB1 form, but have no idea if that's the correct one to send to DVLA and/or whether I need to send them a new photograph.

God bless you all. I hope your diabetes is under control.

Matt

Thanks. I'm guessing I would need a new photograph then. Now I just need to know what form to fill out. Haha.

Thanks your help. Much appreciated.

Thanks @Pipp, @Bluetit1802, @Rachox, @satindoll,and @Goonergal. The phone was my first port of call. The girl I spoke to hadn't the foggiest idea. She suggested asking the guys in the Post Office! Haha. I said, "You're the DVLA. They'll tell me to call you!" I guess I'll try again on Monday.

Thanks for all the help; truly appreciated. And yes, @DCUKMod, it's been a tough road. My girlfriend of 9 years (whom I had lived with for eight years) hid a huge debt from me. She suffered with mental health issues and threatened to hurt herself if I didn't come up with the cash. No one held a gun to my head. We all have choices in this life and I'm not proud of any of it... but I was backed into a corner. No one wants to see someone they love harm themselves. So I set up the fraud. My intention was to receive a quick payment and then pay the 'victims' back once I had secured a loan. The police came knocking within four days, so I didn't have time to sort it.

I went into court with the money to return to everyone who had lost out, but that didn't help. I was on police bail for 3 years. I denied my partner's involvement in any of it (they knew was complicit because she paid off her debt and the money went into her account; but they couldn't prove it beyond all reasonable doubt). Because I was adamant it was me and me alone, after just over 2 years they dropped the case against her. The very day they dropped it, she left. She had been sleeping with someone else for a year. She kept up the front just until she was 'in the clear'. So, for a fraud I didn't want commit (neither did I benefit from in any way), I went to prison for six months and had a tag on my ankle for four months. I was padded up with a paedophile...then an armed robber. And when I came out, I had lost all chances of continuing a career as a Special Needs Teacher. In one moment, I lost my relationship, my home, all my assets, my career, my reputation, my liberty...and my university education was renders useless against a criminal record.

I really do try to remain positive. The poor souls in Syria etc have it far worse than me. And I don't let diabetes stop me doing anything. So, for the most part, I have my health. I always wanted to be a writer. It's funny how life works...because now I have no choice. It's writing or a minimum wage job. Bring it on! Haha.

Sincere thanks again. I just really hope I don't have to take a test again. Based on how long it took me to pass the first time around...I'll be drawing a pension by the time I passed it again! Haha.

Peace y'all.

Matt