DVLA... good or bad?

[kiloran]

I'll be 70 in a few months so the DVLA sent me a form to renew my driving licence (a paper one, more ragged around the edges than I am!). Although I had the form, I could apply online. They wanted a photo of me; no problem, give them my passport details and they can retrieve the photo from that. I completed the online form on monday in a matter of minutes. and today, 3 days later, my photo ID driving licence dropped through the letterbox. Astonishing service.

My wife's licence expires next month, but due to an ongoing medical condition, it has to be renewed every 3-4 years. Due to the medical condition, the online process cannot be used. I have downloaded the form for the medical details, but I cannot download the licence application form.... I can either go to a large Post Office to get one, or order a form from the DVLA, which will take 7-10 days to arrive. And because it cannot be done online, a physical photo must be provided, they cannot use the passport one.
The new, bright, shiny DVLA reputation has suddenly become rather tarnished

--kiloran

[production100]

My vote bad...

They give out details of car owners to parking companies who are purely interested for financial gain. They seem to be exempt from the data protection regulations.

The rules around keeping a vehicle but not using it on the road are totally ridiculous - it is none of their business if a vehicle is kept in a garage and not used.

P100

[richlist]

My vote bad...

They give out details of car owners to parking companies who are purely interested for financial gain. They seem to be exempt from the data protection regulations.

The rules around keeping a vehicle but not using it on the road are totally ridiculous - it is none of their business if a vehicle is kept in a garage and not used.

P100

But it's a lot more difficult to keep an untaxed vehicle on the road because of these rules.......how can that be a bad thing.
Taxes pay the bills and having everyone pay theirs is what the majority want.

[staffordian]

My vote bad...

The rules around keeping a vehicle but not using it on the road are totally ridiculous - it is none of their business if a vehicle is kept in a garage and not used.

P100

Maybe this is splitting hairs, but surely this is not a reason to criticise the DVLA, they are just implementing government policy. It isn't something they have chosen to do.

And I guess the same point could be made about them releasing driver details.

Isn't it a bit like criticising HMRC for collecting income tax?

[stockton]

It is surely up to HMRC or the DVLA to provide sufficient information to Parliament to ensure that relevant legislation functions effectively. It is consequently sensible to treat those institutions as substantially responsible for the legislation which they implement.

[chas49]

It is surely up to HMRC or the DVLA to provide sufficient information to Parliament to ensure that relevant legislation functions effectively. It is consequently sensible to treat those institutions as substantially responsible for the legislation which they implement.

I don't think any Government department proactively provides information to Parliament. They will provide reports to their Ministers. If a Select Committee asks for information, it will be provided.

I can't see how this makes the department or agency responsible in that way.