Can I trust DVSA with my certificates

[slowside]

I recently passed MOD1+2 and the examiner kindly offered to send off my licence to have my new entitlement added on.

However, I'm going abroad and renting a car in the next week so needed to keep my photocard on me, meaning I'll need to apply for the update myself when I return.

However, I've heard stories of those fine men and women of the DVSA losing the certificates you send them, along with your licence and then denying any knowledge of your newly acquired motorcycle A entitlement (or indeed your very existence on Earth).

Obviously, I'll be photocopying everything before I send it off, but is there anything else I should be doing. If they do lose my MOD1/2 certificates, where do I stand then? Surely it's recorded digitally as well as on paper?

[MCN]

Stories.

I have replaced and up-dated my licence and other vehicle docs at DVLA and never came to grief.

I'm sure it is an exceptional circumstance.

It's catering to 70+million folk (Not all drivers) so we must allow a portion of error.

Photograph/Scan your licence (Both sides to show details categories & etc.) and keep.

You need this shit on digital file for insurance purposes anyway.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[slowside]

[Ste]

To help prevent things getting lost, send your certificates by Royal Mail Tracked / Recorded / Special Delivery.

It will all be fine.

Should someone need to get a copy of their test pass certificate bit of paper then I believe you'd need to contact the test centre you took your test at.

Don't think photocopies mean anything should the DVSA decide that you no longer exist.

[ThunderGuts]

Photograph it before sending. Use special delivery. Job done.
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TG.

[RAYK47]

The school would have a copy of your certificates as well so if they were lost there will still be a record on file. Also I would not be surprised if there is some digital record as well.

[Ste]

Why would the training school have a copy?

[RAYK47]

[Ste]

The test centre have a record of the certificate but it's nothing to do with the training school.

[suburban myth]

you're right to keep hold of your card and send later. As others have said, photos/copies, recorded delivery, call them after a few days and make them acknowledge that they've at least received your parcel. Unfortunately though, the delivery proves only that you sent a package and not the contents.

There is a protocol for driving abroad whilst you don't have your license though - its called a "Certificate of entitlement" and you have to call the DVLA to get it issued, by fax, assuming the rental office has a machine to receive it. You have to call to ask (and pay) for it. The department is only open between like 9-5 Mon-Fri. When I was in Australia a few years ago it left me with a very narrow window to make the call and ended up having to do it twice, once for each rental company I used. Cost me around £60 in calls alone. BTW the rental company aren't obliged to accept the certificate either.

[slowside]

Now you mention, yes I do recall the examiners certificate pad being carbon paper, so just a case of getting a reissue from them at the worst.

I realise I’m being a fanny and should just not worry about it.

[stinkwheel]

A copy of your pass certificate can be found if you know the place, date and time you passed.

Anyway. Just say you lost your photocard, they'll charge you for a replacement one but it's not much (£21 Last time I did it).
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[RAYK47]