As of 8th June 2015, the paper driving counterpart will no longer be issued and not valid by DVLA. It is important to understand how it affects to you and what happens to your penalty points and how to hire or lease a new car.
Let’s understand the important updates coming from 8th June 2015:
Use of online system to hire and lease new car (Share Driving Licence)
DVLA has introduced a new online system called “share driving licence” to create a licence check code to share your driving record with someone else such as your employer or leasing/hiring company.
The online check code will allow someone to see what vehicles you can drive, any penalty points or disqualifications, your name and your driving licence number.
Steps: How to share your driving licence details
1) Go to https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence and click on the “View Now” button.
2) You will need your driving licence number, national insurance number and your postcode and click 'View Now'.
3) To share your driving licence with another person, select the “Share your licence information” tab.
4) Click on the “Create a code” button.
5) You will get the code that you can copy or select ‘View, print or save your licence information’.
Please Note – the check code is valid for 72 hours (3 days) and can only be used once. So if you are hiring a car abroad, then you should get the check code via internet.
Next steps over to your leasing or hire company
Your leasing or hire company would just require the check code and your driving licence number to access your records and check the information they require.
Please note – this is “Simple and safer” process, you do not need to worry about the safety of your driving licence details.
What happens to your penalty points?
As of 8th June 2015, you won’t able to get the printed or written photocard licences or paper driving licences. If you commit an offence, then you still have to pay an applicable fine and submit your licence to your court.
All your current penalty details, you will find out online, by phone or post.
What about taking theory or practical driving test?
As of 8th June 2015, you do not need to take your driving paper counterpart with you to your exam but don’t forget your photocard otherwise you won’t able to take your exam.
Why the changes have been occurred?
I am sure; you would like to know why the DVLA is making changes to its existing process. As we know, last year DVLA has taken off to issue the paper tax disc which you can renew online here: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax or at the post office or by phone.
The Government abolish the counterpart as a result of the government’s Red Tape Challenge consultation on road transportation. It also aligns to DVLA’s Strategic Plan which includes commitment to simplifying the services for their users and save millions ponds managing paper counterpart.
I hope you understand the process and share it with your friends and family to help them understand the important changes!
