Post by cravenleigh on Jun 2, 2015 8:34:33 GMT
Hiring a car abroad
If you’re planning on hiring a car on holiday, it’s recommended you generate an access code online or by phone before you go away. However, as the code is only valid for 72 hours you may have issues if you plan to hire a car a few days into your vacation. If the hire company does insist on making licence checks, you’ll have to find access to the web to generate a code, or alternatively call the DVLA from your destination.
You may wish to print a PDF version of your driving licence history and take it on holiday with you, but be aware that not all hire companies will accept this as proof of your up-to-date driving history.
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All UK driving licences issued since 1998 comprise of a photocard and a paper counterpart — the paper section currently records all endorsements, penalty points and entitlements and can be used as proof of your driving record. But from 8th June 2015, the DVLA is scrapping the paper driving licence counterpart. Driving history details will now be stored electronically and your details can be accessed securely online using the new View Driving Licence service.
The latest driving licence changes are part of a shake-up of DVLA’s processes, which includes scrapping the tax disc and cutting the cost of applying for a licence, which is set to save motorists £18 million per year.
The changes were originally planned for implementation in January 2015, but the scheme was pushed back 6 months in order for the online driving licence check system to be completed.
Paperless driving licence - can I destroy my paper driving licence?
If you have a two-part (card and paper) driving licence, you can destroy the paper counterpart of your driving licence after 8th June 2015. After this date, the paper section won’t be a legally recognised document.
However, if you have a pre-1998 paper-only driving licence, you must not destroy this. You don’t need to take any immediate action and can keep your old-style licence until you need to change your name or address, or if you need to renew after age 70. You can choose to upgrade to a photocard licence at any time, and can apply via the DVLA website or at the Post Office.
For most drivers, the new system requires little or no action. However, there are some changes you need to be aware of if you plan to hire a car or if your employer carries out driving history checks.
Sharing your licence details - you can view your own driving licence details at any time by visiting the DVLA website — you’ll need to enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode to access the service.
But in some cases, you may need to share your driving licence details with others (hiring a car or complying with employers’ checks, for example). In the past, you would have presented your paper counterpart as it showed all your driving entitlements and endorsements.
The new system allows you to download your driving licence history or provide temporary access to those you have granted permission to.
You can share your driving licence details in a number of secure ways:
Online:
Go to the DVLA website and log in using your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode
Generate a unique code using the Share Driving Licence tool
Provide the unique code and the last 8 digits of your driving licence number to the hire company or employer that has requested your driving history. The code can only be used one and must be used within 72 hours
By telephone: call DVLA on 0300 083 0013 and provide your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and postcode to generate a unique access code
Share the code with the hire company/employer. The code can only be used once and is only valid for 72 hours
Alternatively, call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 and leave permission for a nominated person/business to check your driving licence history over the phone
By post:
Send a request form to:
Driver Licence Validation Service
DVRE 5
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AJ
You must include a cheque or postal order for £5 (payable to DVLA, Swansea). You will then be provided with a hard copy of your driving licence information that you can share with your employer or car hire company.
Alternatively, you can access the site and download your driving licence history as a PDF — but be aware that some companies may not accept this as it is not live information.
