DVLA have announced changes to the UK driving Licence, as reported by Stockport based C&C Insurance Brokers, preferred supplier of insurance services to the Road Haulage Association’s 6,000 membership.
From 8th June 2015 the DVLA are abolishing the paper counterpart of the driving licence and all information will be stored on a database which can be checked online, by phone or post. Paper driving licences issued before the photo card was introduced in 1998 will remain valid and should not be destroyed.
The easiest way to verify licence information will be by using the DVLA’s free ‘Sharing Licence ‘service. This allows drivers to download a dated summary of their driving licence which can then be printed or emailed to keep on file.
With only six weeks to go until the changes are made experts are saying that things are still “muddled”.
Why are these changes being made?
Describing the move as a purge on unnecessary paper, the DVLA says it also aligns to their strategic plan which includes simplifying policy and technology.
A DVLA spokesman said:
“There is up-to-date information on the website and we are working closely with the industry to ensure that their systems and processes are ready for the changes.”
What does it mean for drivers?
If you hold a paper counterpart after 8th June 2015 it will no longer have any legal status. You should destroy your paper counterpart after this date but you still need to keep your current photocard driving licence.
If you do not have a plastic card you should keep hold of your paper licence as it will still be valid. From 8 June 2015 new penalty points/endorsements received will be recorded electronically. Those wishing to access licence information, such as penalty points, will have to do this online, by phone or via post.
Are there problems drivers could face?
After 8 June 2015 those who drive for a living who are asked to provide evidence of your driving record (entitlements and/or penalty points), will be able to do this online for free by accessing the DVLA’s ‘Share Driving Licence’ service.
The service is currently in development but will be available before the counterpart is abolished. The service should be used by both paper and photocard driving licence holders and will also allow drivers to download a summary of their licence record which can be printed or shared.
Alternatively you can call DVLA and give permission for your driving record to be checked verbally by a nominated person/organisation.
What about hiring a car?
If you are looking to hire a car then you need to be aware that many car rental companies are still not aware of the rule changes. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, which represents the industry, says UK hirers unaware of the rule change will be treated in the same way as those who currently turn up without both parts of the licence.
The terms and conditions of most car hire firms still explicitly state that paper counterparts must be produced.
If you are travelling abroad you must be aware of changes to driving licences that could affect how you hire cars in foreign countries.
There is growing concern that tourists visiting the continent may struggle to pick up hire cars and are worried the new system could lead to people being turned away by foreign car rental firms who may still insist on examining the paper document to check for endorsements or bans.
One car hire insurance website says ‘from 8 June 2015, you should check with the hire company what they need to see when you hire a vehicle’.
If you are asked for evidence of what vehicles you can drive or confirmation of any penalty points, you will be able to request a unique code from GOV.UK which will allow you to share your driving licence details or you can download a summary of your driving licence record.
The code will last for up to 72 hours and will allow the hire companies to make any necessary checks. You can also request a code by calling 0300 083 0013. This also applies if you have a paper licence that was issued before 1998.
Not all vehicle hire companies will ask for this information and the DVLA advise that you check with your hire company.
For more information please visit the DVLA website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-changes