DVLA, Computer says No.

[LanceRS]

A bit of an odd one this. My wife was refused a loan car this morning because when the dealer checked with the DVLA, the computer said that she did not have a licence. She does. It’s an old fashioned paper one, which she had with her. Even with her driver number, the computer said No.
She came home somewhat stressed and tried to renew her licence for a modern photo card one.
Again, computer said No. Apparently they have no record of her having ever held a UK driving licence!
She passed her test in 1988 and last changed her licence in 1998 when she moved into our house and has had no reason to do so again since.
She has been driving Emergency vehicles for the last 28 years, with the relevant checks being done over the years.
I know that Swansea have a reputation for incompetence but this is on a new level.
Has anyone else come across this?

[droopsnoot]

I have a green paper driving license which has never been changed since it was first issued in 1985. I have just checked it on the DVLA web site and it finds it without any trouble, so it's not just because your wife's was a paper license, there must be something else involved.

[V8RX7]

They are known for being useless - I'd contact them directly, I suspect they will want the original sent to them.

Many have sent off licences for renewal and found missing categories (particularly motorbikes) when they are sent back - unless you can prove you passed they won't reinstate them

I had this discussion the other day and everyone checked their licences - my daughter found she has a full bike license ! (she's never ridden one)

[Rich_AR]

Can you pull the license information via this?:

https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

[Bonzo1930]

I had a similar problem with my old paper licence a few years back as the postcode had changed slightly and it wouldn't do a licence check as the details didn't match but sorted with a phone call

[LanceRS]

Rich_AR said:

Can you pull the license information via this?:

https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

She has tried that and it too says that she does not exist.

At least knowing that it is not a blanket problem with old licences, arms us with a bit more knowledge.
She has spent half the afternoon on hold at 20p a minute! She has also tried the email enquiry route and apparently someone will contact her at some point.
In the meantime, she’s terrified to drive, as it seems that officially she has never passed her driving test. Would she end up in court for driving without a licence and therefore insurance if for some reason she were stopped? I know that it’s unlikely, but not impossible.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Does the paper licence have the correct details?

e.g. class of vehicles allowed to drive and an expiry date later than today?

If so, I'd say she has a licence. (If it wasn't for the loan car thing she'd be blissfully unaware)

(assuming it hasn't been revoked for some reason since '98)

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Is it possible that her national insurance number has been mis-remembered?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Is the post code correct on the licence?

[LanceRS]

Everything seems correct on all fronts, we’re absolutely baffled.

[riskyj]

Has it not been mandatory to have a photocard license for some time now? Didn’t think the paper ones were worth the paper they’re printed on anymore?

Edit; turns out...no
What to do with your paper counterpart
The paper counterpart to a driving licence has had no legal status since 8 June 2015. You should destroy yours if you have one, but keep your photocard driving licence.

If you have a paper driving licence
Paper driving licences issued before 31 March 2000 are still valid. Do not destroy your licence.

When you update your name or address, or renew your licence, you’ll only get a photocard licence.

Edited by riskyj on Tuesday 21st July 21:21

[littlebasher]

V8RX7 said:

Many have sent off licences for renewal and found missing categories (particularly motorbikes) when they are sent back - unless you can prove you passed they won't reinstate them

Like me

Good luck OP, but don't expect any miracles

[Amused2death]

Whatever you/she does, DO NOT send the licence to DVLA...... It's the only proof you've got and without that she really is stuffed.

[ging84]

dvla licensing contact details were here
https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/driving-lice...
its an 0300 number which is free, not sure who you have been phoning at 20p a minute

edit never mind
not actually free, unless you have an unlimited call package

Edited by ging84 on Tuesday 21st July 21:50

[mekondelta]

Amused2death said:

Whatever you/she does, DO NOT send the licence to DVLA...... It's the only proof you've got and without that she really is stuffed.

You could get a solicitor to certify a copy and send that?

[Jasandjules]

V8RX7 said:

Many have sent off licences for renewal and found missing categories (particularly motorbikes) when they are sent back - unless you can prove you passed they won't reinstate them

Always take a photocopy of anything you send to the DVLA. Last time they told me I was lying, an email to the manager with a copy of what was sent with the correct box ticked after all resolved the matter. No apology for lying etc mind, but still..

[blueacid]

ging84 said:

dvla licensing contact details were here
https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/driving-lice...
its an 0300 number which is free, not sure who you have been phoning at 20p a minute

edit never mind
not actually free, unless you have an unlimited call package

Edited by ging84 on Tuesday 21st July 21:50

0300 costs the same as an 01 or 02 number. So it'll come out of free minutes if you have them, or cost the same as a regular landline call if not.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

What was it in the end OP?

[pyruse]

Bonzo1930 said:

I had a similar problem with my old paper licence a few years back as the postcode had changed slightly and it wouldn't do a licence check as the details didn't match but sorted with a phone call

I had the same issue; eventually (after about 30 minutes of pointless menus) got through to a helpful woman in Swansea who told me about the top secret postcode they use to unravel this situation. I then got sent a new photocard license with the correct postcard and life became simpler.

[sunbeam alpine]

I had the same problem a couple of years back. It appears that they lost some driver details in a computer system move in the early 2000's - at least that was what I was told - and they handle it on a case-by-case basis as they arise. Took about 6 weeks to get it sorted. Biggest hassle was that they advised me not to drive as I wasn't "officially" in possession of a valid licence.

Thread here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...