Without knowing it, the Geneva woman drove without a license for 13 years (illustrative image).Image: Shutterstock
An octogenarian from Geneva made a very unfortunate discovery when updating her old driving license.
At the end of 2024, Switzerland said goodbye to its legendary blue driving license. Tens of thousands of motorists were thus called upon to exchange their aging paper document for a credit card size license until October 31.
We were just talking about it here ????
But for an 82-year-old Geneva woman, what seemed a simple administrative task turned into a very unpleasant surprise.
Missing certificate
As recounted in the Geneva Tribunethe octogenarian had taken the necessary steps with the Cantonal Vehicle Office (OCV) to obtain his new driving license. But it was never sent to him.
She then contacted the said service and it made her a very curious revelation: the Geneva resident has been subject to a license withdrawal since 2013. And this for an indefinite period. On the phone, they explain to him that a medical certificate is missing.
But the octogenarian assures her: she was “never informed”. She recounts her astonishment to the Geneva daily:
“I have not received any mail, registered mail or reminder. Over the years, I changed my registration at the auto office, my license was checked by the police during a traffic stop, they never told me anything”
To comply, he is asked to provide a new certificate attesting to his fitness to drive. But this will prove insufficient, since this time it is explained to her that “given the long period of withdrawal”, the Genevan must in reality retake a practical driving test.
Heavy administrative costs
Near the Geneva Tribunethe octogenarian is indignant: she “did nothing” and now finds herself with heavy administrative costs to bear. Additionally, as a caregiver for her husband who suffered a stroke, she needs to drive to “take him to his appointments.”
La Genevoise therefore appealed against the OCV’s decision. She cannot explain how she could not be informed for 12 years, even though she had always paid the taxes and insurance for her vehicle. The hypothesis of letters lost during a move is particularly considered.
Contacted by the Geneva Tribunethe Cantonal Vehicle Office (OCV) indicates that it does not comment on specific cases. (jzs)
The news in Switzerland is here
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