Anyone Lost their Bike Licence?

Message

FalcoJock · #1 Post by **FalcoJock** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:41 am

Has anyone had the experience of applying for a new drivers licence but the DVLA 'forgetting' the group D (bike) bit. I need to get a new licence because the old one is falling apart. But I'm paranoid about the DVLA using it as an excuse to get another biker off the road (yes, a true paranoia) - I've read in the press about this happening.

I passed my bike test in 1969 and wouldbe a bit pi**ed off if I had to do it again... I wonder if just keeping a photocopy of the oldone wouldbe enough to argue the case??? I can't imagine officialdom giving a toss though.

#2 Post by **Kwackerz** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:43 am

I'd heard rumours of this happening a few years ago. I applied for my new licence, keeping my old one to hand to ensure that I had hard proof come the revolution..
The new licence arrived in double quick time and with all my categories intact.
Ive since destroyed the old one.

D-Rider · #3 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:17 am

Seen it reported in MCN several times.

Not moved house for 24 years so still have one of those very old paper ones. No plans to move either so I shouldn't have this problem.
If I ever did need to get a new license, the very least I'd do is take a photocopy.
Wonder if there is any way before you send the old license off, you could enquire what categories they have you down for. If it wasn't right you could challenge it then. If it came back wrong you'd have their letter or email confirming what it should be.

I think I've just come up with a plan

Samray · #4 Post by **Samray** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:31 am

We have done this subject to death in the past when it was happening quite often, can't find the thread and things at DVLA might have improved

, yeah,right !

As far as I remember the photocopy was insufficient evidence and the ONLY safe way to avoid a retest was to lose your licence, get a duplicate and then find you original to keep as proof.
Causes a fuss when it happens to truckers and professional drivers too.

HowardQ · #5 Post by **HowardQ** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 8:46 pm

MCN have covered this a lot, has happened over the last few years and is still happening.
I got mine before you FJ, so you're possibly on the old green paper version like me. I'd probably try something like this, if need to simply renew or change address, I'd send them a full coloured copy of the old one and fill in where appropriate saying original lost in the house move somewhere, it is possible just to change to the new photo type by paying the fee anyway, so you are not fiddling them in any way. Then as mentioned earlier you can always "find" the original if you need it. If the original licence is not proof, I don't know what is.

I would also include an A4 note with a very clear message in large font stating - Please note this licence is for a Motorcycle and a car and you wish to renew the same.

FalcoJock · #6 Post by **FalcoJock** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:47 pm

Well, I've checked with DVLA and their answer is interesting (or not). "If your current licence shows a full motor bicycle licence, then it is on our records. If you are concerned about it, take a photocopy of your licence before sending the original to us."

So, horses mouth and all that...

Why don't I feel comforted by this answer????

HowardQ · #7 Post by **HowardQ** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:16 pm

FalcoJock wrote:Well, I've checked with DVLA and their answer is interesting (or not). "If your current licence shows a full motor bicycle licence, then it is on our records. If you are concerned about it, take a photocopy of your licence before sending the original to us."

......................

Why don't I feel comforted by this answer????

Why have they replied to so many bikers already to say they have no records on their system after they have sent a car licence only, forcing them to take driving tests again?

They could have improved I suppose.

At the very least keep a copy.
If in doubt, send a copy, keeping the original having "lost" it and just request a (paid for) upgrade to the new style licence .

lazarus · #8 Post by **lazarus** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:40 am

D-Rider wrote:Seen it reported in MCN several times.

mUST BE TRUE THEN!

#9 Post by **Kwackerz** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:15 pm

Of course it's true!

It was on RiderSite before MCN..

BikerGran · #10 Post by **BikerGran** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:48 am

FalcoJock wrote:Well, I've checked with DVLA and their answer is interesting (or not). "If your current licence shows a full motor bicycle licence, then it is on our records. If you are concerned about it, take a photocopy of your licence before sending the original to us."

So, horses mouth and all that...

Why don't I feel comforted by this answer????

Depends in what way you checked - did you phone? People get all kinds of different answers on the phone, the people at the other end haven't a clue! Possibly slightly better if you emailed.

I too have the old pink and green paper jobbie* and no intention of changing anything so I'll hang onto it but if I neede a new one I would deffo do the 'lost licence' thing and keep the old one.

*Heck, I've even got one of the smart old ones that came in a nice stiff red cover somewhere!

D-Rider · #11 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:48 pm

BikerGran wrote:
I too have the old pink and green paper jobbie*

LOL - that's a new one! - my mrs has one of them - I've got the older one that is just green - not as old as your red covered one but mine is still my current license.