As a result of John Rogers’ (Disability Driving Instructors) attention to detail, we recently queried DVSA’s stance on photocard licences that may have expired during lockdown. As a result, DVSA have changed their view and will now be dealing with expired photocards in the same way that they always have done, as is documented in the DT1.
Short answer:
The provisional photocard licence is not included in the extension, however DVLA are content for DVSA to continue our longstanding and pragmatic arrangement to go ahead with a test, provided the examiner is satisfied as to the identity of the candidate. Therefore, the procedures outlined in the DT1 remains valid and will be followed. However, if the licence itself has expired the test cannot be conducted, as the candidate no longer holds the entitlement to drive.
Long answer – for those who would like the workings out:
DVLA have granted a 7 month extension for photocard licences that expire between 1 Feb and 31 Aug, with the extension starting on the date the photocard expires. This extension does not apply to provisional driving licences. If a driver’s entitlement to drive is due to expire then they must renew their licence in the usual way if they wish to carry on driving – there is no extension to the validity of the licence and the holder’s entitlement to drive.
In cases where, the driving licence card (known as the Administrative Validity Period (AVP)of the card) expires before driving entitlement individuals are required by law to surrender their licence to the DVLA and complete an application to renew the licence should they wish to continue driving. Failure to do so is an offence.
The DT1 sets out instructions where a provisional driving licence has an expired AVP, but the entitlement is still valid , and is presented at a test. It states that the examiner is to check if the likeness on the driving licence matches the person taking the test. If it is a likeness then the examiner allows them to sit the test. If the test is passed the driver is required to make a postal application to the DVLA for their licence and cannot be done by the examiner on the driver’s behalf. If a driver fails the test the examiner could advise the driver to apply for a new driving licence.
Therefore, considering the current circumstances, there will be no changes to the established DT1 procedures.
If you haven’t already completed our survey on the test booking situation, we would appreciate you doing so. Looks as if it might be quite popular – just over 200 responses in a couple of hours! Please use this link to take the survey.
Young Driver is recruiting ADIs for their pre licence driving experiences. These take place at weekends and vehicles are supplied. They are particularly short of instructors in Scotland, Southampton, Surrey, Peterborough and Norwich areas. Please contact Lisa on 07827 870026 or lisa@youngdriver.com.
Our bank of questions and answers can be found on the front page of the website – www.adinjc.org.uk – please make this your first port of call if you have a question.
The front page of the website also holds our Covid tookbox with masses of information to help you return to work safely.
If you need to write to DVSA about test bookings the email to use is customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk; for anything about PDI or ADI licences it’s PADI@dvsa.gov.uk. Most of them are still working from home so it’s best not to post anything in. It may be sometime before they deal with the many sacks of post that have been received. Please remember that they are dealing with a massive amount of queries and problems and patience will be needed!
If you would like to join the ADINJC there is more information on our website.
Whilst our newsflashes are normally a benefit of membership of the ADINJC, during this national emergency we want to share information as widely as possible, so please feel free to pass this on. We are stronger together.
The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy. Please feel free to contact us for help and support.
ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444
The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414
The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis. We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.
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