How to get a valid chip free photo ID?

[frank1974]

I ask because I was about to book my driving theory test, and I apparently must have a passport or other valid photo ID. Was going to just renew my old paper provisional license to a new photo one, but again need a passport or photo ID.

I've never had a passport. The only ID I have is my original birth certificate.
I've never had a bank account until about 1 month ago. And the only way I was able to open an account without photo ID was because my father died Christmas morning and I was the executor dealing with his bank debts, and I registered his death and my name is on the death certificate as being present at death. I had to open an account for myself at the same time as dealing with my fathers, it was the only way I could get an account from anywhere.

My dad was a driver for my mum who has Multiple Sclerosis and a motability car which costs roughly £280 a month to have. Now my mum is without a driver, if she returns the car, she's liable for the remaing rental money for the term of the rental hire contract which is 3 years. So no point in giving the car back, which is why I desperately need to pass my test as quickly as possible.

Does anyone know of an accepted photo ID that is obtainable quickly?
The only possible way I can think of is asking the police to accompany me to the theory test exam center to confirm my identity. I've never had a criminal record, yet I feel like a criminal.

Help.

[stickwhistler]

Ask
"Where is the legislation that specifies that I need a photo ID?"
Policy and law are different things.
Are you named on your mom's benefit book?
If so, then IIRC that qualifies as a benefit book identity,
and you could just send a photo with a photocopy of the book
where you are named.

All I can find is that a form of ID is needed.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG_10032690

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG_068016

I have no photo ID, and refused to accept one, or supply a photo when I moved, and had to get my new address on my paper licence.

My passport expired many years ago, and I refuse to jump through
their hoops to get another.

Ask the question above.

My wife was originally refused a bank account because she didn't have
either a passport or a photo driving licence.
She asked the question as above, and they were forced to admit that
no such legislation existed at that time - 2004 - and they opened an account
when reminded that HMG plc had stated that everybody was entitled to a simple bank account,
followed by the request for the banking ombudsman's telephone number.

Telephone them and ask.
Get the name of the person you are talking to,
and if they won't 'play ball', get their supervisor.
Get your MP to phone them up and ask the same question.

Best of luck.

[frank1974]

Are you named on your mom's benefit book?
If so, then IIRC that qualifies as a benefit book identity,
and you could just send a photo with a photocopy of the book
where you are named.
They don't issue benefit books anymore, I'm my mum's carer and the money goes straight into a post office account set-up by them. Can't use that post office account for anything other than collecting the benefit money.

Would the quarterly post office statement which has the type of benefit and amount paid each week, be ok? And maybe a letter from the benefits stating the type of benefit that i'm claiming (Carers Allowance) and who for, my mum's blue badge (disabled badge for car with her photo), and a letter/bill addressed to my mum (same address as me).

Surely all that ID would be sufficient along with my birth certificate, old paper provisional license which is valid until 2044, bank statement, post office statement.

I just don't want to piss any of the staff off by being a pain at the test center before I sit the exam. I can just imagine myself getting so stressed over it that i'd shout out, 'what do you want, blood?!', and prick my finger and make a finger print in blood where it says 'SIGN HERE'.

Documents to bring to your driving theory test (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/DG_4022482)
Though this clearly states as of 1st October 2007, 'An old-style licence consists of one paper document which does not display your photograph. If you have an old-style paper licence you must also bring a valid passport with you - no other form of photographic identification will be accepted.' And if you don't show the required documents you won't be allowed to test and you'll lose your fee.

Thanks for the help.