One step forward, two steps back.

The information in this post will be old news to many of you, but it was new to me, so I will still moan about it.

A few months ago, my increasingly-tatty paper driving licence finally fell to bits. It had already been repaired with tape, so I thought it was time to get a new all-singing-and-dancing photo-id license. It would be easy to keep in my wallet – unlike the paper license – and I would have it wherever I go.

It took a little longer than it should, because although I had already informed the DVLA of my sleep apnoea many years ago, it appeared to be a complete revelation to them when I made the medical declaration on the form this time; which meant they had to write to my GP and Consultant again, and wait for a reply.

Today, I got two envelopes from the DVLA. One was a letter saying they were pleased to tell me I was still considered fit to drive, and my license would be with me in 14 days. Huzzah!

The second was my license. “Quick work”, I thought, as I opened the envelope and and pulled out my plastic photo-license and the huge “Counterpart Driving License”, which informs me “The photocard and paper counterpart should be kept together. Both must be produced when required”.

So, what is the point? I am no better off than before, except I now have two things to lose or misplace!

3 Comments

  1. November 21, 2009
    Reply

    Personally I carry the photo card in my wallet and the bulky bit is in a box at home. You really only need the counterpart if the police ask to see it.

    • November 22, 2009
      Reply

      Likewise. There is no legal requirement to carry one’s licence at all times, only to produce when required, which means, popping down the station within, say, a few days, to present the document.

      So keep the paper with your passport and don’t worry!

  2. November 22, 2009
    Reply

    I do keep my paper licence part with my passport — in my belt pouch! I got into the habit of carrying my passport all the time when I was going onto military bases, and then when I was in Germany, and I just find it easier to have it with me than to remember where I last put it ‘safely’. Well, except when it gets left with Rika because she had it when we came back through customs…

    But did I see that someone actually expected logic and sense from a government organisation?

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