DVLA Rant....

[Big Colin]

Morning all.

Just venting my frutrations.... In a nut shell we've recently had our van uprated to accomodate our weight needs. Both the Wife and I had to do our HGV/LGV Theory tests as well as take a C1 practical test. Done. I fitted air suspention and upgraded the tyres. SV Tech carried out paperwork side of things. On 28 October I sent V5c and SV Tech certificate/Paperwork to DVLA for new logbook to show new MAM. Nothing heard for 28 days. Phoned DVLA, transferred to MOD 2 Agent who advised that the paperwork was only opened that day. I pointed out that it's taken 4 weeks to open the mail. Post date stamp proved this. He offered no explanation as to why its been sat on a desk for a month. He advised he could do nothing for 10 days - call back. Just phoned back this morning (10 days later) and confirmation the change has been made. Expect paperwork in 10-14 days. SERIOUSLY WTF..... We are heading off to Europe next monday for 90 days. The best the agent said was to phone back Friday and he'll be able to send me a scan for me to print off.

Great. Heading off to France and Spain now, half expecting Mr Plod to pull me over and weigh me and all I've got is a colourful bit of A4 paper which anyone could replicate.

Anyone else experienced this? I think 50 days waiting for docs is a bit overkill. I wonder if DVLA would be happy if I kept them waiting 50 days for anything?

Rant over.

Have a good one funsters.

 

[Scotsblood]

Unfortunately as much as we all like to complain about government run services the DVLA, using the latest name, service plummeted when they became a 'government agency' rather than 'government department'.
Trying to run an old fashioned paper driven organisation on a commercial business model but not having investment to support full modernisation was always going to bring a worse service.

 

[cyberyacht]

Not in France they won't . Original docs are the only acceptable item

I wonder how that works since most 'renewal documents' are electronic these days and you have to print out you own if you want 'real paper'

 

[philann]

I wonder how that works since most 'renewal documents' are electronic these days and you have to print out you own if you want 'real paper'

You should print out everything. The important ones that we have been asked for when randomly stopped and checked by the French police were the V5c and the MOT both were originals, insurance was a printed copy which was OK.

 

[Jonno1103]

For getting my ok to drive with Diabetes took 5 days. For getting my licence back with C1 provisional on it took 6 weeks.

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[Coolcats]

I think even Rachel Reeves thinks there might be issues with WFH

'I want civil servants in the office' – Reeves

Chancellor's comments come as Cabinet Office minister confirms 'expectation for 60% office attendance' still in place

www.civilserviceworld.com

Maybe maybe not

The guide that the DVLA give is as follows:-

So lets assume its about 5-6 weeks to get something back, looking at the Site they are setting expectations for both online and by paper, they say dont call them within the first 4 weeks ( sort of giving a clue to timescales)

Go online​

Our online services are the quickest, easiest, and often cheapest way to deal with us. We recommend that you use our online services where possible. If you apply online, you should receive your driving licence or vehicle registration certificate (V5C) within 5 days.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-services-update

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-services-update

Paper applications​

All our services are operating within normal turnaround times.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-services-update
Please allow 4 weeks for your new documents to be sent to you if applying by post. Please do not call us within those 4 weeks as your application will be processing and we will not be able to provide further information.

 

[gus-lopez]

Maybe maybe not

The guide that the DVLA give is as follows:-

So lets assume its about 5-6 weeks to get something back, looking at the Site they are setting expectations for both online and by paper, they say dont call them within the first 4 weeks ( sort of giving a clue to timescales)

Go online​

Our online services are the quickest, easiest, and often cheapest way to deal with us. We recommend that you use our online services where possible. If you apply online, you should receive your driving licence or vehicle registration certificate (V5C) within 5 days.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-services-update
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-services-update

Paper applications​

All our services are operating within normal turnaround times.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-services-update
Please allow 4 weeks for your new documents to be sent to you if applying by post. Please do not call us within those 4 weeks as your application will be processing and we will not be able to provide further information.

how is this an improvement from shutting local offices where it was done on the spot while you waited?

 

[Coolcats]

how is this an improvement from shutting local offices where it was done on the spot while you waited?

Did I say it was an improvementI just commented ? the world is a bit topsy turvy, banks closed branches and poorer service yet banks charge a huge amount for their services go to a coffee shop pay £3.50 and you normally get great service its a weird old world

 

[Jonno1103]

The electorate complain that any UK government employs too many people so what do they do, they cut back. The electorate then complain that the services are too slow. We can't have it both ways.

Everything is moving online & digital to save on manpower and their associated needs - sick pay, holiday pay, pensions etc. It's the world we now live in.

 

[Whippet93]

Morning all.

Just venting my frutrations.... In a nut shell we've recently had our van uprated to accomodate our weight needs. Both the Wife and I had to do our HGV/LGV Theory tests as well as take a C1 practical test. Done. I fitted air suspention and upgraded the tyres. SV Tech carried out paperwork side of things. On 28 October I sent V5c and SV Tech certificate/Paperwork to DVLA for new logbook to show new MAM. Nothing heard for 28 days. Phoned DVLA, transferred to MOD 2 Agent who advised that the paperwork was only opened that day. I pointed out that it's taken 4 weeks to open the mail. Post date stamp proved this. He offered no explanation as to why its been sat on a desk for a month. He advised he could do nothing for 10 days - call back. Just phoned back this morning (10 days later) and confirmation the change has been made. Expect paperwork in 10-14 days. SERIOUSLY WTF..... We are heading off to Europe next monday for 90 days. The best the agent said was to phone back Friday and he'll be able to send me a scan for me to print off.

Great. Heading off to France and Spain now, half expecting Mr Plod to pull me over and weigh me and all I've got is a colourful bit of A4 paper which anyone could replicate.

Anyone else experienced this? I think 50 days waiting for docs is a bit overkill. I wonder if DVLA would be happy if I kept them waiting 50 days for anything?

Rant over.

Have a good one funsters.

Got my paperwork back in about three weeks, including refund on tax .

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[varaizian]

Not in France they won't . Original docs are the only acceptable item

I've cribbed this from The Connexion newspaper. Presumably UK visitors will also need a valid MoT Certificate:-

All residents of France, whether French citizens or from another country, should carry the following documents in case of a police check:

• A valid driver’s licence
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• The car’s carte grise (registration certificate)
• Proof of the contrôle technique (roadworthiness test)

The documents must be in paper form (or the plastic card for modern driving licences) and be present in the vehicle.

If you are driving in a low-emission zone (Zones à faibles émissions or ZFE) you will also need a Crit’Air sticker for your vehicle.

Photocopies of these documents are not allowed, and police are only authorised to accept the originals.

In the case of driving licences, police can also accept the official digital versions.

If you provide a photocopy instead of the original, you may be fined, and will need to go to a police station with the original copies within five days of being stopped.

However, photocopies of the carte grise can be shown instead of the original for hire cars, and for certain heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

The list of documents for those only visiting, whether for a short holiday or to stay at a second home, is similar, but you must also bring ID and the relevant documents must come from the country you are travelling from.

For example, UK drivers will need:

• A valid UK driving licence
• Proof of ID (passport)
• Motor insurance certificate
• V5 registration document

Vehicles from the UK will also need a ‘UK’ identifying sticker on their rear number plates – the ‘GB’ identifier with the golden EU stars is no longer valid.

 

[rod_vw]

varaizian do classic cars (over 30yrs in Europe) require a contrôle technique test and document in France? As no doubt you know here in the UK vehicles over 40yrs do not need an MOT or have any similar documentation.

 

[varaizian]

I don't know with certainty but it seems reasonable to me that if you are complying with the requirements of your home country that should satisfy the French authorities. If you want reassurance I think someone from a motoring club for such vehicles. Ironically my father trained as a coach builder before the First World War and put bodies on cars like Lagondas and Rolls Royces so perhaps it ought to be in my genes!

 

[jerryz]

I have now been waiting 17 months for DVLA to re instate my ''accidentally '' deleted C1 , they have promised me twice that its sorted and on the way back to me with new updated License , but thats a lie along with all the other cock ups and excuses they have mad like saying I need to take a teat, get a medical, or even that C1 category was only for heavy commercial vehicles , I have mad 3 complaints , written to DVLA CEO got 2 MPs involved ... i have basicly given up ,,,, they are a shambles

 

[TonyEmm]

Morning all.

Just venting my frutrations.... In a nut shell we've recently had our van uprated to accomodate our weight needs. Both the Wife and I had to do our HGV/LGV Theory tests as well as take a C1 practical test. Done. I fitted air suspention and upgraded the tyres. SV Tech carried out paperwork side of things. On 28 October I sent V5c and SV Tech certificate/Paperwork to DVLA for new logbook to show new MAM. Nothing heard for 28 days. Phoned DVLA, transferred to MOD 2 Agent who advised that the paperwork was only opened that day. I pointed out that it's taken 4 weeks to open the mail. Post date stamp proved this. He offered no explanation as to why its been sat on a desk for a month. He advised he could do nothing for 10 days - call back. Just phoned back this morning (10 days later) and confirmation the change has been made. Expect paperwork in 10-14 days. SERIOUSLY WTF..... We are heading off to Europe next monday for 90 days. The best the agent said was to phone back Friday and he'll be able to send me a scan for me to print off.

Great. Heading off to France and Spain now, half expecting Mr Plod to pull me over and weigh me and all I've got is a colourful bit of A4 paper which anyone could replicate.

Anyone else experienced this? I think 50 days waiting for docs is a bit overkill. I wonder if DVLA would be happy if I kept them waiting 50 days for anything?

Rant over.

Have a good one funsters.

Whilst I can’t comment on your particular experience, I can only say that so far, my experience with DVLA has been wholly positive.
I’ve renewed my C1E 3 times with no hassle whatsoever (the last one I had the new licence returned 4 days after posting), and on another note, when I saw a VIN plate on my Rapido rating it at 3,700kgs, I sent a photo of it to DVLA and my VED was reduced by 50%, with a near immediate refund!

It’s true that many are still working from home (as are DVSA) but it’s not impacted me….

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[Clive Beeza]

Open a complaint

Absolutely make a formal complaint
I did after the list of admin errors in renewing my C1
they took an age to investigate (as you would expect)
The eventual outcome each of my itemised complaints of errors were upheld
and I received a surprise monetary compensation.

 

[Rugbybull]

I have a friend who had his licence revoked following an issue with his heart. Following a pacemaker being fitted and with a supporting letter from his consultant, he applied to have his licence restated late in August. Middle of October he received a letter from DVLA asking him to complete the same forms as he’d submitted back in August! They even threatened to cancel his application if these were not returned in 14 days yet they took a week to post them to him!! The gentleman concerned is a widower in his mid 80s with limited mobility and removing his driving licence has, in his words, removed the only bit of independence he had. I understand the reasons when it is done on medical grounds but the clinicians are now saying he is OK to drive. Mid December and he’s still waiting! The information on the gov.uk website regarding delays for those reapplying for their licences following a medical condition is next to useless.

DVLA services update

The latest updates on DVLA's services.

www.gov.uk

 

[Brummie64]

I’m guessing that many of them work from home, only go into office occasionally to catch up on work.

I work from home, and believe me you’re never really off duty, I occasionally go into the office for a break!

 

[MGDavid]

Did I say it was an improvementI just commented ? the world is a bit topsy turvy, banks closed branches and poorer service yet banks charge a huge amount for their services go to a coffee shop pay £3.50 and you normally get great service its a weird old world

Really? Been with mine for over 50 years, never paid a penny in bank charges. Service much improved as I can do everything I want from my desktop or phone instantly rather than drive somewhere, pay to park, stand in a queue etc....

 

[DT9447]

Morning all.

Just venting my frutrations.... In a nut shell we've recently had our van uprated to accomodate our weight needs. Both the Wife and I had to do our HGV/LGV Theory tests as well as take a C1 practical test. Done. I fitted air suspention and upgraded the tyres. SV Tech carried out paperwork side of things. On 28 October I sent V5c and SV Tech certificate/Paperwork to DVLA for new logbook to show new MAM. Nothing heard for 28 days. Phoned DVLA, transferred to MOD 2 Agent who advised that the paperwork was only opened that day. I pointed out that it's taken 4 weeks to open the mail. Post date stamp proved this. He offered no explanation as to why its been sat on a desk for a month. He advised he could do nothing for 10 days - call back. Just phoned back this morning (10 days later) and confirmation the change has been made. Expect paperwork in 10-14 days. SERIOUSLY WTF..... We are heading off to Europe next monday for 90 days. The best the agent said was to phone back Friday and he'll be able to send me a scan for me to print off.

Great. Heading off to France and Spain now, half expecting Mr Plod to pull me over and weigh me and all I've got is a colourful bit of A4 paper which anyone could replicate.

Anyone else experienced this? I think 50 days waiting for docs is a bit overkill. I wonder if DVLA would be happy if I kept them waiting 50 days for anything?

Rant over.

Have a good one funsters.

I suspect most of them work from home on a regular basis so post won't be opened! crazy

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[MichaelT]

I suspect most of them work from home on a regular basis so post won't be opened! crazy

They probably have some form of work queue where post is opened and scanned in for processing.

 

[jerryz]

DVLA category of errors in my Case deleting perfectly valid C1 that I have held for 46 years when I moved house 2 years ago in 2022 .

even passed an actual C1 test in 1987 for an employer , I have held the license sine 1975 and have full grandfathered rights , No medical requirements , They just accidentally made an error when issuing my new license with new address .

However since then I have had them tell me I my C1 was cancelled ? in 2012 for a medical event ??? But they have no records of that false event ,
Then I was told I was to old for C1 at 66 years old??????
Then they said C1 is only for commercial vehicles ?????
Then they said they had no record of my C1 despite me having 4 old licenses and the test pass in 1987 ..
Then they said I would have to re apply for C1 as a commercial driver ?????
They have constantly lied obfuscated and refused to admit their original error when changing my address ,,
Some of their staff have been very short and rude to me and very unprofessional and unaware of actuall DVLA regulations ,are they untrained ???

I have started 2 formal complaints , written to CEO , had 2 MPs investigate they have also been lied to , they are not happy but DVLA seem to not care .

I have been told twice on the phone and in a formal letter that the situation is resolved and a new correct license is being sent to me but nothing happens .


I dont actually need a C1 but its the principle of the matter ... but it would have mattered when I was deciding on what van to buy in 2022 so I had to compromise
I have currently given up as I have better things to waste my time on . I have recently won 2 court cases against rogue parking companies after 32 years of harassment , also won litigation against a bank and a clowncil and a solicitor and am not a push over with legal stuff , but DVLA have beaten me ...

 

[Andysprinter]

Hi I sent my documents mid October and have just received my V5.
This was with SV Tech. I started the process with Van Weight Engineering in June. It took 3 months for them to tell me they don’t accept their reports.
I went through both levels in complaints and now have given my local MP all the emails and transcripts. Obviously I didn’t drive my overweight vehicle since June

 

[Machbuster]

Morning all.

Just venting my frutrations.... In a nut shell we've recently had our van uprated to accomodate our weight needs. Both the Wife and I had to do our HGV/LGV Theory tests as well as take a C1 practical test. Done. I fitted air suspention and upgraded the tyres. SV Tech carried out paperwork side of things. On 28 October I sent V5c and SV Tech certificate/Paperwork to DVLA for new logbook to show new MAM. Nothing heard for 28 days. Phoned DVLA, transferred to MOD 2 Agent who advised that the paperwork was only opened that day. I pointed out that it's taken 4 weeks to open the mail. Post date stamp proved this. He offered no explanation as to why its been sat on a desk for a month. He advised he could do nothing for 10 days - call back. Just phoned back this morning (10 days later) and confirmation the change has been made. Expect paperwork in 10-14 days. SERIOUSLY WTF..... We are heading off to Europe next monday for 90 days. The best the agent said was to phone back Friday and he'll be able to send me a scan for me to print off.

Great. Heading off to France and Spain now, half expecting Mr Plod to pull me over and weigh me and all I've got is a colourful bit of A4 paper which anyone could replicate.

Anyone else experienced this? I think 50 days waiting for docs is a bit overkill. I wonder if DVLA would be happy if I kept them waiting 50 days for anything?

Rant over.

Have a good one funsters.

I exported my moho to Germany for good beginning of September, sent all the paperwork, registered, as requested to dvla on 13/9. Wrote to them again as notthing heard and no refund received. Sent another registered letter yesterday with copies of everything. Apalling treatment.

 

[Coolcats]

Really? Been with mine for over 50 years, never paid a penny in bank charges. Service much improved as I can do everything I want from my desktop or phone instantly rather than drive somewhere, pay to park, stand in a queue etc....

Yes Really, there are towns which no longer have banks, as a business we relied on business managers for guidance and help it almost impossible to get the same level of service. Whilst I agree automation has helped enormously there are many a business still handling Cash and try as I might I cant scan it and digitally submit it!

There are those in society that struggle with the automated services and its not just the old...

If you have never had a mortgage a bank loan or overdraft you are one of the few but I suspect you have and therefore have had banking charges.

Nationwide have run some fabulous adverts, there are members here who bank with them and thank goodness for the moment the likes of Nationwide, Metro and the Co-Op have banks in the high street

These adds make me chuckle as it is what many of the public think of most banks

So be careful what you wish for when you may need more than the simplistic of interactions with a bank chat bot

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[Coolcats]

I work from home, and believe me you’re never really off duty, I occasionally go into the office for a break!

Most who have never worked from home have no idea..Back in the mid 90's I would walk into the study to find the fax machine paper spewed out on the floor from half a dozen colleagues all wanting a response by 10:00 and agree going in to the office is more of a social event

 

[VXman]

Sadly it's the Blob. For all their talk I can't see this administration being able to change it. The last had no chance.
It's not just DVLA. Sue had a letter telling her she was due a tax rebate. I went on line to claim it. As she doesn't do internet banking she requested a cheque. All done and the message said she should receive it by January 20th...40 days! To raise a cheque?

I was told by National insurance people that payments recieved for voluntary national insurance are taking 6 months to process.

 

[treeker]

DVLA was run by Julie Lennard, has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DVLA since March 2018.
Prtior to that "Before joining DVLA, Julie worked in several roles at The National Archives. Prior to that she worked for Which?, the largest consumer organisation in Europe, in a range of roles including as a journalist and representing the campaigning organisation to government departments, agencies and other stakeholders at a national and international level."

She has now moved on ...

A new Director General will take up post at the Crown Prosecution Service this Autumn, the organisation has announced.

Julie Lennard, who has been Chief Executive Officer at the DVLA since 2018, has been appointed and is expected to take up her role as Director General and Chief Operating Officer on Monday 25 November 2024.


Next post Prime Minister???

So the head of the CPS appears to heve zero legal training..

This is a disaster for the CPS. Or even more of a disaster. Someone like this would never have been tolerated in any organisation I ever worked for. All she yatters on about is the "Business Plan". And "Digitisation" as the be-all and end-all. Meanwhile the unions ran rings around her. Check out the undercover investigation by The Times during Covid. She does not answer correspondence. What she says to the Transport Select Committee when they call for evidence bears no relationship to reality. I suspect that Lennard was due for another giving of "evidence", and jumped first because there was a risk that a changed committee membership might find her out (slim chance, they are just as useless). The problem now is how to get a competent manager attracted to the monolith that is the DVLA. The delays are appalling,

If you are having problems with DVLA with paper applications, ring them every week, note down what you are told, and after 3 months complain to your MP. That will speed things up a bit. Pathetic.

"Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “Julie brings a wealth of valuable skills and experience to the CPS – not least her work to successfully lead the digital and business transformation of the DVLA.​

​

“She has also transformed the way customers interact with the organisation with some truly impressive results."​

Another DPP with no judgement skills.

 

[Barclaybasher]

Bought a van 3pm Tuesday, seller filled transfer online, V5 arrived 9.30 this morning........

 

[PaulW2]

I was told by National insurance people that payments recieved for voluntary national insurance are taking 6 months to process.

A year or two ago this was definitely true. It was supposed to take 8 weeks, but sometimes it was missed and had to be chased up etc.

However, it can be done online now. If one is in a position to do it online (some of the website navigation paths do still lead to 'call us') then it updates and is shown in NI records in 3-5 working days.

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[Nanniemate]

Nothing wrong with that I did it for years.

Yes you and me both and got the job done.