The moaning old git thread

[mr_diver]

Brockett - How about a nurse?

Post the photos to me and Jen will sign them for you. - I think she knows you 

[Brockett]

I looked again
The websight suggested the post office will do it for £21
I went to the post office and the nice lady said - over 70 we don't do
She gave me a form D1 and some guidance notes
The notes are not quite as bad as the website by virtue of being much shorter but not less confusing.
The website shows I will get a reminder three months before the licence expires - I didn't get that. Which is a pity because maybe the instructions on what to do are in  there.
It seems that I do need a new photo for my card because the old photo, held digitally by the DVLA becomes invalid after 10 years
However there is no way of knowing this by looking at the card in your wallet. Being over 70 the licence expires every 3 years.
All the notes regarding photos for licences shows the need for a person of standing in the community to sign it to confirm you are who you say you are. However the person on the DVLA telephone help desk said confirmation is not needed.
The notes on the D1 form show a photo is not needed - but it is.
So what I end up with is this advice from the help desk
Complete Form D1
Stick on a recent photograph
Check that all health and eyesight questions are answered and show no adverse problems
Send it recorded delivery so I have a tracking record  that if needed will show that although I do not have a valid licence the DVLA have received my application.
As a continuing joke the form D1 states:
Please send the application and driving licence to DVLA Swansea, using the correct postcode - But nowhere on the form or in the guidance booklet is there an indication of the correct postcode  A postcode is shown for enquiries if the form goes missing but it states do not use this code for applications. There is another postcode for use when informing DVLA about medical conditions But nowhere does it show where to send the completed application form.

If anyone else is nearing my age 76 and does not have a passport then settle yourself down with a good few cups of strong coffee and delve in this subject.

But remember the ancient Greek saying, "whom the Gods wish to destroy they first make mad".

[Brockett]

I found what might be the correct address  SA99 1AA  by searching on line - it is not, however, mentioned on the form, the guidance note page or in the accompanying INF1D  booklet. 

[Rusty Nuts]

A word of advice regarding "recorded delivery", Brockett. Don't waste your money. The number and barcode you get will ( if all goes tickety-boo) only show up in two places. Firstly when you fork over the cash at the Post Office counter, secondly on delivery at your door.
However, if things go udders uppermost there is no way of tracking or tracing the item, it could be anywhere.
For documents like that I would stump up for Special Delivery. They follow a different processing route from normal mail which is where recorded delivery ends up. Special Delivery items are scanned into and out of every location along their journey. I have to sign for them before I can take them out of the building. Dearer, yes, but more secure and more traceable.

[2112]

 

Very informative & useful information.

[Brockett]

Thanks Rusty I will do as you suggest

[MartinW]

..... Well I don't have a passport, never had a passport. Why would I want one? .....

Didn't you have one for ST7?

[Brockett]

If that was France No.

[Hugo Magnus]

I would like to help but I failed at the first hurdle. I don't have one of these new fangled photo card licences. I'm not looking forward to the process of renewing the old paper one. Some say it is safer to 'lose' your old one and apply for a replacement, that way you still have a copy of all your entitlements, in the event of them losing your details it would save you retaking your test.

[Hugo Magnus]

"If that was France No."

I guess you must have taken a rubber dinghy (no passport needed).

[Brockett]

You can check your licence validity and the vehicles you are entitled to use on the DVLA website. Take a screenshot of the page and that may well be all in proof you need later on if DVLA lose your record. I share your concern though, as a mate at work had to take his bike test again back in 2003.
 

[Rookie]

I miss calculated my fuel level on the way home from work today and had to top up at a commuter route service station . Cost me £3:10 more than usual to top up. How I do have giving the government more of my hard earned dosh the barstewards.

[Rusty Nuts]

Fuel duty is flat rate. The VAT you pay will be higher due to the retailer's higher price. Not really the guvmint's fault,  then.

[Rookie]

Well that's alright then .....

[Brockett]

Middle East crisis is jacking up fuel costs. 20% in last four weeks.

[Brockett]

?

[Rookie]

Is there a crisis in the middle east...?

Take cover .........

[Brockett]

DVLA licence renewal news. Further to my post on this subject: a new licence was delivered in the post this morning. Considering that I put the wrong postcode on the envelope and as a result sent it to the wrong office and the photograph image of my head being very slightly larger than is specified, and having been warned that the process might take 56 days,  So, despite my faffing about, it all worked out better than I deserved or expected Well done the DVLA. 

[Rusty Nuts]

Hang on... that's not moaning.  Who are you and what have you done with Brockett?

[The Doctor 46]

I don't know what's happened to him Rusty but I recon that this forum can raise £2:50 to get him back. I suggest we have a whip round.