:: license to burn
Wednesday last, I finally got my provisional license application in the post, to the DVLA. Including my Dutch passport and a cheque, I sent it recorded delivery and trudged into town to do some shopping with Lottie. When I found a Lloyds TSB between the post office and the shops, I decided to pop in and clear my overdraft with a cash deposit - so the cheque would not bounce. So long as my salary isn't being paid into the account (another long story), it's all I could do. Or so I thought, because I was kindly informed my account had been blocked for fraud protection. If I could just show my passport, it would be fine though. I walked back to the post office immediately, informed I was there less than 10 minutes ago, and asked if I could have my letter back please.
"Sorry, the bag containing Special Delivery items has been sealed, and it would be illegal for us to open it." I thanked them kindly. Not a problem though, I thought.. The letter will be at the DVLA tomorrow and I'll just ask them to send it back upon receipt. So on Thursday, I phoned the DVLA. "Due to industrial action, the DVLA today offer a limited service." Nice, a message on the phone. And then the line went dead. I tried again, and again it went dead. What other option then, but to send them an e-mail..
Dear Sir/Madam,
Today you have received my application for a provisional driving license, inclusive of my passport. However, problems have arisen at my bank, which would mean the cheque will bounce. Also, I need my passport returned to me as soon as possible. Due to industrial action I cannot get through to you at this crucial time, but any urgent action would be greatly appreciated!
And today I got the eagerly awaited reply..
"Thank you for your email. I can confirm that your application will be processed before the cheque is presented to the bank. If there is a query with your cheque we will then get in touch with you. Provided you have submitted a valid application, you should receive your driving licence with in approximately 15 working days and your passport within the following 10 days of receiving your licence. I hope this is helpful. Kind regards."
You hope this is helpful? I told you the cheque will bounce unless I have my passport.. Now unless my application is succesful I won't have my passport back for a good month or so. Yes, that's very helpful, thanks. But it's a Friday afternoon, so nothing will be sorted before the weekend. I decided to mail back, possibly phoning if they're arsey on Monday.. Good grief.
"Could you please cancel the application process? The query with my cheque cannot be resolved unless I present my passport to the bank, and I can't do so unless my passport is returned from the DVLA. I will then apply again. Much obliged if you could send me back the passport as soon as you can!
"Sorry, the bag containing Special Delivery items has been sealed, and it would be illegal for us to open it." I thanked them kindly. Not a problem though, I thought.. The letter will be at the DVLA tomorrow and I'll just ask them to send it back upon receipt. So on Thursday, I phoned the DVLA. "Due to industrial action, the DVLA today offer a limited service." Nice, a message on the phone. And then the line went dead. I tried again, and again it went dead. What other option then, but to send them an e-mail..
Dear Sir/Madam,
Today you have received my application for a provisional driving license, inclusive of my passport. However, problems have arisen at my bank, which would mean the cheque will bounce. Also, I need my passport returned to me as soon as possible. Due to industrial action I cannot get through to you at this crucial time, but any urgent action would be greatly appreciated!
And today I got the eagerly awaited reply..
"Thank you for your email. I can confirm that your application will be processed before the cheque is presented to the bank. If there is a query with your cheque we will then get in touch with you. Provided you have submitted a valid application, you should receive your driving licence with in approximately 15 working days and your passport within the following 10 days of receiving your licence. I hope this is helpful. Kind regards."
You hope this is helpful? I told you the cheque will bounce unless I have my passport.. Now unless my application is succesful I won't have my passport back for a good month or so. Yes, that's very helpful, thanks. But it's a Friday afternoon, so nothing will be sorted before the weekend. I decided to mail back, possibly phoning if they're arsey on Monday.. Good grief.
"Could you please cancel the application process? The query with my cheque cannot be resolved unless I present my passport to the bank, and I can't do so unless my passport is returned from the DVLA. I will then apply again. Much obliged if you could send me back the passport as soon as you can!