Photo ID issue as an external exam candidate?

AATchick

Hello, I wonder if any of you can help me. I am currently studying AAT level 4 via distance learning (premier training) which has been so far so good, I have completed my mock exam and had it marked positively, but when I went to book my exam with a local exam centre, I was told I'd need photo ID in the form of a valid passport or driving licence. The issue is, I don't drive and my passport run out last year!!

Has anyone else had this problem? I don't particularly want to pay £100 for a new passport plus I'd like to do the exam asap and I'd have to wait weeks and weeks should I need a new passport...

Can anyone help/advise please? :-( x

shamil91

Hi there,

From my point of view, I what I would suggest is, try and get in touch with the manager of the centre if possible as I understand that the passport is not valid but the photo would not have changed that much unless you were younger. But worst come to worst I would just apply for a new passport try to ask them to process it a bit quicker, plus even if it does take a while I would suggest study for the next exam, that way by the time you get the passport you will be able to do your current exam and will be gearing up to do your next one in the following weeks so no gap etc. Hope this has helped you out

Kind regards

Shamil

BeccaLouJ9

I don't agree with the above, having to apply for a new passport and then wait to do the exam when it comes through.

Just call the exam centre and ask what other forms of ID they accept, they should be able to tell you. I'd imagine your out of date passport should be accepted.

Becca

shamil91

Hi Becca,

I understand what I said on new passport may not be the best solution but I did also mention that your actual face can not change that much but again depends on age and so I did say passport should be accepted. But usually other methods to accept as part of facial ID would be driving licence. But as that is not present, I would get photo verified by either a lawyer etc they may charge you for that I am not sure. But speak to the centre manager that will be able to help you out

RossC93

Hello,

Why don't you just get a Provisional Licence, they don't take that long to come and they aren't expensive.

BeccaLouJ9

@shamil91 there's no need for the extra expense and wait, if you just call the centre and ask them, there could be a very simple solution. You're complicating things, which isn't helpful to an already stressed student!

@AATchick call the exam centre asap to sort it. And good luck with your exam!!

B x

AATchick

Thanks everybody. I'd managed to convince myself my passport was out of date when it actually isn't for another year. Very embarrassed right now!!!! but really appreciated all the time you all took to reply. Thank you x x x

KoopaCooper

I had this happen just this week too - everyone in my class received an email from the college's AAT administrator, informing us that AAT are requiring all students to bring photo ID with them to exams from now on. I immediately panicked, as I have never driven and my passport ran out back in 1999! xD

But then, I quickly emailed the Admin back and told her of my predicament, and that the only ID I own is my birth certificate and my NI card, and would this be sufficient? She said that that would be fine - this time -, but that I'll really need a photo ID for future exams (this being my last Level 2 exam...I passed btw! )

So, looks like I'll need to get a provisional driving license then before I start Level 3 at the end of the month.

NeilH

Hi

Have you considered a formal proof of age card? http://www.validateuk.co.uk/

Might be worth checking if these are acceptable to exam centres/AAT.

flyhigh

If one does not have photo ID and the choices are driving licence / passport /Validate at various costs, can the cost go down as a legitimate expense on a Self Assessment tax return?

CeeJaySix

Expense against what? Not sure you could argue they're wholly and exclusively business use!

KoopaCooper

CeeJaySix said:

Expense against what? Not sure you could argue they're wholly and exclusively business use!

I think FlyHigh was suggesting they'd be a legitimate expense incurred during work-related training?
But somehow, I doubt it'd fly with HMRC... xD