Upside for time limited licenses

[Einstein]

I've just got the monthly newsletter email from the Institute of Advanced Motorists, one of the features was regarding the renewal of photographs on the photo ID driving licences.

Short term licenses (over 70 or medical licenses) do not need to pay the ?20 fee for the updated license picture every 10 years.

Yippee!

Mind you, if your license entitlement is until you're 70 and the government decided photo style licenses were the way to go and that they need to have a new picture every 10 years, why do motorists need to pay this charge?

Another stealth tax me thinks!

Afterall, you can't drive without your license, so you have no option.

 

[sofaraway]

I am renewing my lisence at the moment, just got to fill the form in that they sent. So can I just send a new photo with it?

 

[Einstein]

I am renewing my lisence at the moment, just got to fill the form in that they sent. So can I just send a new photo with it?

I understand this is something they are doing on or around the tenth anniversary of your photo driving license, off the top of my head I am guessing it must be around 10 years ago they started to be issued.

As such if they want a new photograph they send you a document advising you of this.

One other thing, on the older renewal letters they demanded both parts of your license be returned. This could cause a problem when hiring a car, or indeed if stopped by the police. My experience is that it can take the full three months plus to issue the new license.

As such, I return the paper part and keep the photo card. Of course until the date of expiry or until advised otherwise you can drive on that license. If they haven't renewed your license and you don't have confirmation in writing that they will be renewing your license you could be prosecuted for driving withouth a valid license, plus your insurers could decline any claims.

DVLA do need to be chased, especially if there is a change to your condition and they have sent for reports - its not usually the reports being returned that take the time, but DVLAs medical team assessing the reports and advising.

 

[Copepod]

I've renewed my driving licence about 4 times since 1997, and never sent in either part, with no adverse comment from DVLA. Never been asked for a new photo, either. DVLA always sent the reminder forms about 3 months before present licence is due to expire, and sent the new one within a couple of weeks. I always email my hospital consultant to warn her.

 

[Einstein]

I've renewed my driving licence about 4 times since 1997, and never sent in either part, with no adverse comment from DVLA. Never been asked for a new photo, either. DVLA always sent the reminder forms about 3 months before present licence is due to expire, and sent the new one within a couple of weeks. I always email my hospital consultant to warn her.

Perhaps with then next application they will ask for the picture to be updated.

It was an early letter, I challenged it as unlawful and the next time the clause was dropped.

As for renewal times, yep, if its just a 'have they had many hypos within the last 12 months' then its easy, it's when there are other complications that they really drag their heals, despite all replies being sent by within days of their receipt.

I presume it goes to someone more senior to decide on their options.

The decisions of DVLA do vary from renewal time to renewal time, I was dropped to a 12 month license for one year, no hypos recorded, but they decided I was down to 12 months, then it went up to 2 years 9 months... It's due for renewal in October this year, I am soo looking forward to it this time. A couple of new conditions to advise them of, only one is applicable, but I wonder if that one could push them into the 'no' decision.

Only time will tell.