Happy birthday, driving licence application

SIR – My driving licence renewal (Letters, August 26) was due on September 30 last year. I applied online, having been told that this was the most efficient way of doing it.

A few months ago, I received a request to cut my old licence in half and return it to the DVLA, which I duly did. Since then, nothing.

In a month’s time, I will have been without my licence for a year.

David Couldwell

King’s Lynn, Norfolk

SIR – Unlike Doreen Turner (Letters, August 25) I haven’t even had my Specsavers eye test yet.

I applied to renew my licence at the start of January. On February 4 the DVLA said I needed an eye test but, due to Covid, it was unable to request one. Since then I have heard nothing. Making contact with it is impossible. Julie Watson

Chard, Somerset

SIR – I have been receiving correspondence from the DVLA for many months relating to a vehicle that is unknown to me but registered to my address. I get no response from the DVLA when trying to resolve this problem.

However, I recently received a parking charge notice addressed to this unknown person from a company based in York. The company got the information from the DVLA within three days of the alleged infringement.

I wonder why this section of DVLA can operate so efficiently. Is it because this activity is an easy money maker? WJ Mason

Chorley, Lancashire

SIR – On buying a classic Austin Healey Sprite, unused and unloved for 22 years, I had to re-register it. I rang the DVLA, and a gentleman of enormous patience gave me helpful advice on the necessary form-filling and directives.

I now grace our English byroads in my 50-year-old car with the original number plate. Thank you, DVLA. John Lines

Birmingham