Provisional Instead Of Full Driving Licence

[chessington]

My Uncle passed his driving test some 30 years ago. He has recently moved house and admits that he cannot remember when he last saw his licence. he has applied to DVLA for a new licence due to change of address. They have sent him back a provisional licence and despite several phone calls DVLA say they have no record of him having a full licence. The test centre where he took his test has not existed for over 10 years, what can he do?? TIA

[Graham-W]

Seems to have happened quite a lot over the past few years. Unfortunately the news is not good. The onus is on the driver to prove he has passed his test or to offer hard evidence to DVLA. Perhaps he passed his test and didn't apply for a full licence within the 6 months following.
He should continue to look for his original licence or prepare to take the test again, including the written test, which he will not have done before.

[Hopkirk]

Has he ever worked for an employer who took a copy of his licence?

They may still have a copy.

[chessington]

Thanks both of you and no employer took a copy of his licence unfortunately

[Hopkirk]

Unfortunately he is not alone:

http://whatconsumer.co.uk/forum/consumer-rights-television-programmes/4955-bbc-watchdog-dvla-update.html