‘It’s not an inconvenience, it’s an entire change of life’
Driving instructor’s 13-month wait for licence from DVLA
A MOORLANDS driving instructor forced to retire following a microlight crash has been unable to drive for the past 13 months – after falling victim to DVLA delays.
John Swindail broke his legs, back, ribs and nose in the 2011 accident and now relies on crutches and a wheelchair – although he has always been able to drive.
But the 70-year-old has been without his licence since January, 2021 after sending it to the DVLA for a routine renewal.
Now John – who lives with wife Elizabeth Anne at their Werrington home – wants his licence back.
It is mandatory for the over-70s to get their licence renewed every three years.
The DVLA has not renewed driving licences for over-70s requested since November 25, amid a major backlog caused by Covid and industrial action.
The delays faced by John are part of a wider problem for OAPS who have to renew their licences.
Statistics released by the DVLA reveal they are waiting 12 weeks for updates to their licences, if they applied through the post because of a major backlog caused by covid and industrial action.
John said: “I flew my microlight into the ground. I was suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea at the time. I think I fell asleep.
“It completely changed my life. I spent most of the first 12 months in bed.
“I was a seven day a week working man for most of my life, so it was difficult not being able to work. I was able to drive two years after the accident. I can’t walk very far and I have to use a wheelchair most of the time.
“I used my savings to put a £1,800 deposit down on a specially adapted car, and I pay for it monthly.
“I had to find a car that suited the size of my backside so I didn’t have to bend or stretch to get into it, so it had to fit perfectly. It had to be slightly taller than a small car.”
John added: “I’ve still not got my licence back. Contacting the DVLA is impossible.
“There’s been no contact other than the letter to say they had received the documents. I had to put the licence in the post with details from the doctor too.
“It’s been over a year now. I’ve given up. You get fed up with waiting and get resigned to the fact that you haven’t got a driving licence.
“I want it back. I am fit to drive. They have taken away my independence. My car is sitting out there and is barely getting used. It’s dreadful. I would like my licence and an apology.
“I haven’t been able to drive for a year. It’s not an inconvenience, it’s a change of life.”
The DVLA has now apologised and blamed ‘ongoing delays’ with paper applications.
A DVLA spokesman said: “Our online services are working as normal and without delay. There are ongoing delays with paper applications and more complex transactions – for example, if medical investigations are needed – and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
“Where we require additional information from a driver’s doctor we will be wholly reliant on receiving this information before a decision can be made.”