Despite claiming 10 days when I telephoned to confirm I was sending all of the documents they needed, they still hadn't processed my licence 15 working days later.
You're not allowed to use the privileges of your licence until it's in your grubby mitts, and yet they aren't in any hurry to process applications. Considering the fee for what on the face of it is a very simple process, it's daylight robbery.
But then it's not as bad as the cost for the 'security pass' at my local airport. I use the term 'security' in the loosest possible terms. You can rock up and pay them the £197 in cash, with no one asking to see any photo ID or asking you to prove who you are and suddenly you'll have yourself a pass to the security gate and access to airside. Doesn't seem very secure to me, but best not argue too much or the fee will go up or they may decline to issue you with a pass at all.
