DVLA said I only have a provisional licence?

[fizzyBee]

I got pulled over by police the other day and they asked to see my licence. Well I lost my licence in a club somewhere and just never got it replaced. Stupid I know but they didn't seem bothered and just asked my name and address. They checked this with the DVLA or whoever it is they check with and they said I only have a provisional licence! I don't see how this can be since I was issues with a licence after I past my test in 2002 or 2003!

They don't seem to believe me and I have no idea what to do. I don't really want to have to take my driving test again but I don't have my licence to prove it to them and I don't suppose I can be reissued one either if the DVLA think I only have a provisional.

[Panic Button]

I seem to be hearing this sort of thing rather often.

Toureman suggested a while ago we all keep a photocopy of our licences if we send them back to DVLA for some reason, and it does seem necessary now. Some people are losing motorbike or HGV entitlements when they renew.

Have you ever needed to drive for your job? If so your employer might have taken a copy.

If not perhaps your driving school might be able to help you prove you passed a test.

[aniani]

The test centre where you passed should have a record

[gentleman]

I notice you are unable to remember your test date.
The only advice I can offer is to contact the Instructor, if you had one, who went with you to the Test Centre you passed your test and provide them with info of test date you passed the test. But this could pose a problem even if the T.C. offers you a copy of the Pass Cert. The DVLC have you as only a provisonal Licencee. The Test Cert. would be of no use as it is over two years old. So you see whatever I suggest following is of no use to the Traffic Police
If you did possess a Driving License and you may have used it to photocopy for certification of ID to someone try and see if a copy be sent to you.
I am afraid if none of these is possible and you are unable to prove you have valid and passed driving license then you have no choice but to take your test again provided you are not charged under the Road Traffic Act and it depends on the penalty set by the court.

[hc4361]

Could you have been reverted to learner status by accumulating 6 or more points within the first two years of passing your test?

[Twenty20]

I'm sure the police have heard every excuse under the sun by now as to why someone is driving without a licence so it's hardly surprising that they probably don't believe you.

You may be in for more than just retaking your test if youre found to be driving without a licence (and therefore without insurance too I'd assume as it would be invalid).

Maybe hc4361 is right about the number of points on your licence, but I'm sure you'd have been aware of that?

[fizzyBee]

Thanks for all your answers. I haven't even been pulled over by the police before so I don't have any points on my licence. It makes me wonder just how long I haven't had a full licence according to them because until now it hasn't ever been needed to be checked. I'm going to phone the test centre on monday where I took my test and see if they can help.

[hc4361]

fizzybee, if you're caught twice by a speed camera there's 6 points. If you moved address and forgot to notify the DVLA that could be an explanation.

[paraffin]

hc4361: Stop trying to get someone to deliberately break the law. Not the best advice anyone could give - or get !
Besides, if you'd actually taken a second to think about what you said, it wouldn't wash. Since when did "Oooh I forgot to tell them" been an acceptable excuse? Muppet!

fizzyBee:

For a start, it's irrelevant whether the Police Officer believed you or not - they are not Judge+Jury - they merely gather and present the facts.

If you did not have your licence with you, the Police should have given you a "producer" to present your licence at your local nick, or one of your choice, within 7 days. It at least gives you a week to contact DVLA to resolve the matter.

Good luck.

[growlybear]

Finding it hard to believe you can't remember when you passed your test. if it was only a matter of years ago.

I passed mine in 1971. You must have some paperwork around the house surely, that shows you had lessons and sat a test.

Failing that, its ask the DVLA to check their records again. If you had the pink credit card-sized licence before, they will have some record on file.

[fizzyBee]

Thank you all for your help. I will get in touch with them on Monday morning.

[Panic Button]

If they still say they have no record, I suggest you start shouting loud. This is becoming a regular failing at the DVLA.

Personally I would contact my MP, and perhaps try BBC Watchdog or The One Show. Some journalist would love to get their teeth into this story.



Oh, and Paraffin, what are you on?
Reread hc4361's answers, and then perhaps apologise for your ranting rubbish.

[bellmoore4]

when you passed your test,did you actually send the paperwork off to apply for your licence,as it is not done automatically.and how do you have a car without producing your licence to drive it away for insurance purposes,you need to produce it to get insurance especially for your first car,with mot,car docs etc.

[ummmm]

No you don't bluemoore. I've never produced my license.