DVLA can't spell.

[cheater123]

On my provisional driving license the DVLA have written my surname incorrectly despite having my Birth Certificate as proof etc. I have done my CBT without noticing the incorrect spelling and therefore has my surname spelt incorrectly on my certificate. Does this mean my insurance would be void as they have the correct spelling? If I send it back to have the spelling changed would I be able to get a new CBT certificate with the correct spelling?

Also would this mean that if I had points on my license, I could just send of for a new license in my correct name.

[Buenchico]

As long as no criminal deception is intended, anyone can use any name they like at any time. For example, if the name on my birth certificate is John Smith, I can call myself that on Mondays but use the name Fred Bloggs on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays I could be Prince Elvis Presley the 14th and on Thursdays I could be Sharon Watson. None of those name changes will invalidate my driving licence or my insurance; it's the person who is insured, not the name. (Similarly, a woman who marries and takes her husband's surname doesn't have her licence or insurance invalidated)

However, it's obvious that having multiple names could lead to a lot of confusion, especially when the cross-checking of details is carried out on computers. It therefore makes sense that you should seek to get the error put right as soon as possible.

I suggest that you should make a photocopy of your existing licence before sending it off for correction. This is because your amended licence will have the same number. You could use the photocopy to prove that you were previously known by a different name on the licence.

It probably wouldn't be necessary to get the CBT amended. I'm not a biker but I assume that it shows the number which appears on your driving licence. (The number is probably more important than the name). However, once you've got your corrected licence, it might be sensible to call in at the test centre and explain the situation, before going for your practical test.

I'll finish by reminding you of the first words I used above: "As long as no criminal intent is intended . . ."
If you were to seek to gain a second (clean) licence, under your correct name, after getting points on a licence with your incorrect name on it, you'd be acting in contravention of those sections of the Theft Act 1968 which deal with fraud.

Chris

[bob57]

best to send it back for a correction in the name it does say on the forms that if your name and address are incorrect to send it back for correction

my own driving licence has the wrong postcode on it and the police have checked in the course of my own job as an HGV driver and they never said anything about it even after i pointed out it was incorrect