Really upset about driving license.

[Tinker74]

Iam in a total panic... We leave in 19 days and DH has no driving licence. His old style paper one was dog eared and ripped so I sent it off 9 days ago for a new photo one.
I just called the DVLA to check on the application...and they are saying it could take 4-5 weekd to get it.
it should take 3 weeks which will be ok but they can't say for sure how long.

I just don't know what we we will do. Iam so angry at myself for not sorting this out sooner.

The woman at the DVLA suggested that they could fax a copy to the car hire place in florida...but when I called TCD they said this won't be allowed.

Starting to feel desperate.

 

[mattnkatsmum]

Can you get your old dog-earred, ripped one back from DVLA? My hubby's is in the same condition and we have never had any problems with it being accepted in the States.

I reckon that's your best bet. Alternatively, have you got a second driver?

 

[Tinker74]

Hi Karen...I suppose they won't give us the old one back because we have surrended it and told them its an old address. But if I get no joy soon then I might just ask them.
I hold a full licence but Iam terrified to drive in florida....Iam scared i will forget and drive on the left.

 

[AndRu]

As I keep saying ... if you can drive in the cramped, fast streets of cities in the UK you can drive in the huge, slow moving roads of Orlando. Just go with the flow ...

 

[Nitram64]

I wasn't looking forward to driving on the wrong side but i can say that i prefer it to the uk.Everyone seems much more laid back.Hopefully you will get the new licence in time but if you have to drive you won't have a problem just take it at your own pace.

 

[Tinker74]

Thank you so much for the helpful replys.

Iam starting to calm down a bit...and realise that its won't be a major disaster if I have to drive. Hopefully it will come through in time. I will call them every day.
We are also getting married during this trip and we have spent a fortune on this holiday we really want the trip of a lifetime ...I can't believe I was so stupid as to overlook this important detail. I had all my ADRs booked 6 mths ago...why didn't I sort this out then.

 

[Rain]

Tinker,

I too was afraid to drive but after about 15 minutes I was great,husband helped by constantly reminding me when turning left to go over to the right.

Right turns are a doddle.

 

[Tinker74]

Thanks lynda. ...At least our first week is on property at disney in the contemporary...so I would not need to do much driving if any that week.

Dh has always driven whenever we go abroad...so I have no experience of drivind on the right side...its good to hear its not too bad.

Iam still crossing everything for his licence to come in time though....as I would also like the odd glass of wine.

 

[Merylj]

It sounds hoprful that the driving license will arrive - but DVLA don`t want to commit themselves!
I`m sure you will be fine should you have to drive, I havn`t driven over there for 15 years - if I can tackle it I`m sure you can!
Good luck - sounds like a great trip you have planned

 

[Tinker74]

Thanks merylj...

 

[AndRu]

Thanks lynda. ...At least our first week is on property at disney in the contemporary...so I would not need to do much driving if any that week

Noooooo! ... don't think like that. The fact that you'll be onsite and not have to rush is the perfect time to practise your driving. Try driving between the resorts or to DTD - get used to being on the "wrong" side of the road before the week when you have to face more traffic.

 

[Queenie]

I'm sure you'll be fine driving out there. Think about it, the yanks come over here and drive on our roads and they have to navigate the completely alien concepts of roundabouts! At least in the USA nearly everything is straight lines, we get on the I4 at Sanford and Scott only needs the steering wheel to change lanes for about an hour!

 

[NeilDrum]

I am an insluin dependant diabetic and as such, have to have my licence renewed every 3 years. DVLA are supposed to issue a reminder but didnt and my licence was due to expire whilst we were to be in Florida.

I rang the DVLA explained the situation and to be fair, I had to make a bit of fuss but they agreed that I could fax my docs to them for them to process asap.

I had my new licence back within 3 days!!!

Might be worth a try!

Claire

 

[Oddjob]

Dont be too cross with yourself..
Did it not occur to your PArtner to get HIS license sent off earlier?!!

Good luck,If you drive you WILL be fine..

 

[arieliwish]

Don't worry about driving in orlando, I'd much rather drive over there than tackle the weird roads around the UK! Speeds are slower, disney is well signed and you don't have those gear things to think about! LOL!

As others have said, do try driving between disney resorts and parks, it really is easy.

Just remember to change gear on the drive home from the UK airport - speeding along the M62 in second gear wondering why the car's making that funny noise isn't good!!

Lynn

 

[Tinker74]

Lol..Ariel...I drive an Automatic anyway...so I would be Ok with that
A sort of update...I called the DVLA again this morning...but fibbed and told them we sent it off 3 weeks ago ...I pleaded my case explained about us getting married in florida very soon...The best they could do was tell me to get DH to drive to swansea to apply in person. Apparently then he will get his licence in 48 hrs for a fee of £19.
Good news I think.....but dh is refusing to drive there...Its 5-6 hrs away from us. I'll have to work on him...at least I know there is another way if we get no joy in the next say 10 days.

 

[AndRu]

Refusing to drive to Swansea so that you don't have to drive in the USA?

What happened to the age of chivallry?!?!

I'd be filling my car with jallopy juice and hitting the motorway network ASAP ... if I didn't my DW would (metaphorically) kill me!

 

[Tinker74]

Driving Licence turned up today...

So sighs of relief all round
Thanks everyone for the help and advice.

 

[angel659]

Phew. I am pleased it turned up.

Have a nice time.

 

[Merylj]

Great news