Driving licence renewal procedure is 'unfit for purpose'
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
I filled in the online forms without any problems, and submitted the application, only for it to come back with a message that they were rejecting the application because they couldn't verify my ID with the Passport Office.
By using the online chat, with a helpful lady at the other end, it turned out that the DVLA was unable to verify my signature with the PO.
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Hide AdAnd why, you might ask? Because I have a new-style passport which has to be signed on receipt, and not during the application process for it.
An extract of the chat transcript says "Agent (2024/10/14 16:07:34): If we are unable to retrieve an electronic copy of your signature (due to you having a passport which now requires to be signed upon receipt), you will need to apply by post on this occasion".
In other words, the online driving licence renewal process is completely flawed, and unfit for purpose in my opinion.
So, before you try to renew your driving licence online next time, prepare yourself for the hassle and expense if you have a sign-on-receipt passport. You'll need the printed photo, and you'll have to pay the outrageous cost of a stamp.
Happy driving (if you ever manage to get to that point again)!