I got my renewal form for my photocard driving licence the other day and was intrigued to see I could renew at my local post office without need for taking a photo with me. So up for anything these days I gave it a go.....
(written for Piston heads thread)
Well, took the plunge and went for this in my lunch break. Yes, the post office (my local one at any rate, obviously not every two bob PO) has a high tech photo thingmy against one of the counter windows. Having joined the chavvy queue and got to one of the normal windows, I was instructed to go to the money change window as he was the "designated person" to do the job for me. Quite what happens when he is on lunch break or whatever is anyones guess. He did know what he was doing though and told me to enter the booth a few windows down and close the curtains (legs still on show for the queue to laugh at). None of the old photo booth comedy here (revolving stools etc), its more like a hospital scanning room. I just stood there and he adjusted the lens from his side of the counter and took the photo. Then I needed to sign the electonic pad and then got a preview of both the photo and signiture for aproval, I guess had I not apporved we could have had another go but by this time I was the entertainment for the queue and just wanted out. he then told me to go back to "cashier number 5 please" to pay etc which is when I got the evils as the previous poster mentioned. I guess they all asumed my photo was being taken for the child "bonking" offenders register or something. The form and photo image is then sent direct to DVLC by "electronic means" and I was given a reciept for my handed over licence and photo card. Hopefully speeding up the process and, lets hope, less chance of my licence getting lost in the post. Total cost £24.50 which is £20 renewal fee and 4.50 for the po service including the photo. Cheaper than a photo me photobooth I think but obviously no spare photo's for other uses.
One other tip for anyone renewing, take a photocopy of the reverse of the photocard as it has been known for some to be renewed with less vehicle type coverage than what you had when you originaly passed your test.
