DSB replied on 11/05/2021 13:34
Posted on 11/05/2021 13:34
While I collected up my birthday cards this morning, still disappointed not to find a little pink plastic card (aka driving licence) from the DVLA!!
It's taking quite a time for licences to come through. If anyone on here is approaching the grand age of 70 and wishes to keep their 'full driving entitlement', I reckon it's worth giving the DVLA 6 months notice!! I waited for the forms to come through and filled them in straight away. Organised the Doctor's appointment, paid £75 for the privilege of him filling in his form, and posted them off the same day.
Unless you send the application recorded delivery, they will not be able to check even if they have received your application. I never even gave it a thought when I sent off my application and therefore just got a certificate of posting.
However, I now know they have received my application, as instead of the new licence, they have acknowledged receipt by sending me a letter saying they need to contact my Doctor for further information.
As my GP has already indicated that I am absolutely fine to drive (although I do have medical conditions to declare), I will now need to exercise my right to drive without a licence under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act.
This is just a word of warning for anyone who wishes to keep their full driving entitlement after the age of 70. If you wish to 'downsize your licence' (I.e. not to tow or to tow something a bit smaller), you can apply on line. If you want to keep your full entitlement, give them plenty of time (it's taking them longer than 3 months for me) - and for peace of mind, send the application registered post. You can get the forms at any time from the post office.
David
P.S. Give your GP time to arrange an appointment to fill in the form (£75 for me).... and your optician will also need to fill in the first page (free for me).
DSB
Caravanner from Staffordshire