Hi, I’ve been calling the DVLA contact centre for days and days but the line is constantly busy. I need a certificate of entitlement to drive abroad and the only way to get one is to request one by phone. I’ve tried emailing, web chat but no avail. I would like to know what exactly is written in the DVLA certificate of entitlement to see if I can somehow retrieve this information via the DVLA website. Any advice would be hugely appreciated! I’m at my wits end! Thank you in advance!

I imagine they are completely overwhelmed with calls right now, after yesterday's news. I would not bother with webchat, as you're very unlikely to get through that way. Unfortunately I don't think there's any other way to receive the information other than by post or fax. I would keep trying the phone number until you reach somebody - frustrating I know. I believe the COE is valid for 3 months.

Do you actually need to change your driving licence at this stage Under the new agreement they only need to be changed if you get points or your DL/photocard has less than 6 months to run

I am exactly in the same boat. I gave my driving license summary to the authorities here in Canada for exchange but they need this certificate and it seems like there is no way to get it

Hi - it’s impossible to get a reply. I must have rang over a hundred times!
What I did was log in to my DVLA account online and obtain a code - this produces a pdf of all the particulars of your licence, i.e. any convictions, points, full licence, vehicles you can drive etc. You obtain a unique code that is valid for 21 days and with this code a third party can check your details online. I printed out the pdf and this was accepted. I doubt they will check the code. I hope this helps!

That is good info, thanks.
Wheny you say
- is it easy to set up a DVLA account? I didn't know such things existed. What can you do with a DVLA account, apart from this?

unfortunately in Canada they are sticking to the COE requirement and not accepting the PDF code. It is becoming impossible!!!

Hi, you can view your licence online at www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
I had problems logging in so I did it via Digidentity- an app that confirms your identify. The link on the dvla/GOV website is “GOV.UK VERIFY” It’s tedious to set up but once it’s done it’s very quick and convenient. You can see all the details of your driving licence online.

Hi

I am coming to Canada soon and I had the same issue with not getting through on the phone to DVLA. I emailed but they took two weeks to reply to say I need to post the D888 form to get the driving record.

I did it and sent a form for me and my wife and it was signed for in DVLA last Saturday. Here I am one week later, and the driving records came at the same time! One week is reasonable.

Post your D888 forms to:

DACT TEAM
D9
DVLA
SWANSEA
SA6 7JL

Hi

is this form the same as that which is online and gives a driving record summary ? . I have already given them my info for driving record from online DVLA website. Just be mindful here in Canada they need the particular certificate which says certificate of entitlement at the top

Interesting. So what does the Certificate of Entitlement say that the detailed driving record does not?

This is a Certificate of Entitlement, once issued it's only valid for 3 months.

Yes that is correct that is the one being accepted.

Thanks

I lost my French licence. DVLA says I must get a confirmation from France before they will (re)issue a UK licence.
France in the usual fonc way says I must apply for a replacement and says replacements are only available with proof of French residence so tough luck and go away.
Is there an online equivalent in France of the certificate of entitlement? Is there an online record I can access?

Thanks! You got me concerned so I called the DVLA and ordered ours. I was surprised I got through after weeks of trying. I had to call just as the lines opened in the morning. Still waiting though…..I’m flying out on Aug 9th so fingers crossed!