Gutted!

Soldato
Joined
13 Nov 2003
Posts
5,671
Location
Harrogate
Just been checking my driving license for a car hire booking and I've lost my motorcycle entitlement! Passed my test in 1990 but had my license swapped to an isle of man one in 1995, then moved back to the uk in 2002 so had to send it off again for a new photocard. Somewhere along the line my A category has gone!

Not a problem I thought - must all be on computer somewhere so rang DVLA. They basically said unless I can provide a copy of my pass certificate theres nothing they can do! Rang Isle of Man and same story.

Turned the ouse upsaide down, and my parents house but cant find it anywhere. Called DVLA back again and they have said I will need to retake the test! Cant believe it - Ridden bikes for 16 years (the last 3 without a license apparently!) and now I have to take CBT, theory test and full test. Looked around the net for help and its not actually uncommon - found quite a few people in a similar situation. Seems crazy they dont keep copies or scans of the old surrendered licenses.

So now, after just about to buy a bandit 600, I'm going to have to get a 125 then do Direct Access on a hire bike, so hopefully I can get a decent bike before the summer ends :(

So, moral of the story, especally for bikers, is keep your pass certificate safe cos you never know when the DVLA will take it off you :(
 
It was on Watchdog a while ago I think - people were losing all sorts of entitlements, including HGV and Motorcycle.

Bad luck :( :(
 
Thats bloody shocking!...If they dont keep records etc can you imagine how much the pass certificates must be worth on the black market!..
 
rs125 said:
Thats bloody shocking!...If they dont keep records etc can you imagine how much the pass certificates must be worth on the black market!..


I have seen one sold for 300pounds no question asked.
 
rs125 said:
Thought they would have fetched a lot more to be honest..

iirc, the dude didnt know the value of it and he seems desperate so the local "hero" at the shop bought it off him after a bit of price haggling.. :p
 
The same thing happened to me when I changed my paper license to a photo one after moving house in 2002.

The DVLA told me that it wasn't possible for this to happen but they changed their mind when I dug out my pass certificate.
 
Resurrected this thread as I re-passed the test today with 3 minors :)

Same thing happenned as on my original test - thought I'd failed near the start when I had a slight incident when changing lanes - not my fault really - I indicated right and the woman in the right hand lane must have thought i was going to cut her up so she braked, then I braked etc etc. Anyway, thought the examiner would interpret that as a serious so i relaxed and just enjoyed the ride. Turned out it was just a minor :)

So now I go on holiday next wednesday armed with a load of bike mags to read on the beach to decide what to buy when I get back :D

Probably going to go for something like a CBF600, but will be 2nd hand so might be just a case of the best bike for my budget rather than a specific model.
 
Sagalout said:
Just been checking my driving license for a car hire booking and I've lost my motorcycle entitlement! Passed my test in 1990 but had my license swapped to an isle of man one in 1995, then moved back to the uk in 2002 so had to send it off again for a new photocard. Somewhere along the line my A category has gone!

Not a problem I thought - must all be on computer somewhere so rang DVLA. They basically said unless I can provide a copy of my pass certificate theres nothing they can do! Rang Isle of Man and same story.


So, moral of the story, especally for bikers, is keep your pass certificate safe cos you never know when the DVLA will take it off you :(

Ironically this was the exact reason I photocopied my old licence before I sent in to change to a photocard.

A friend of mind had his HGV entitlement go missing, luckily his employer had a photocopy of his licence on file for insurance purpose. Don't suppose your company does the same ?

edit - Try your insurance company, most want a photocopy of your licence, you might get lucky!
 
You get given a copy of your test result though. Anyway, I've repassed so not an issue anymore :)

Re the insurance - its great being old! Just been looking at various quotes, ranging from £94pa for an XJ600 Diversion to £850pa for an R1 lol. CBR 600F is £323. Thats not bad for technically having a license for 0 years and 0 ncb :)
 
Looks like I've just found what I'm looking for - A '94 CBR600 in very very good condition. 17K on the clock with FSH for £1600 from a dealer :) Just been for a test ride and it goes and sounds superb.

Looks just like this one:

IMAG0293.jpg


Just got an insurance quote of £280 for it too, which is pretty decent considering the performance.

Other option is a 600 Bandit for a grand, and the insurance for that is a ridiculously cheap £101 (cheaper than I was paying on a 125 on a prov license) , but I think I'd be bored of it pretty quick.
 
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