The tax disc has just gone paperless and now your driving licence is going to follow suit. Here’s some important info that all drivers need to know about what’s going to happen in June 2015.
What is happening to the driving licence and when?
Unlike the tax disc, your driving licence isn’t being abolished entirely – just the paper counterpart that goes with your photocard. From June 8, the DVLA will no longer issue the green paper counterpart licence and the existing documents will no longer be valid. The paper counterpart displays details not included on the photocard, including vehicle categories and any endorsements or penalty points. After the changes, details of driving convictions will instead be held on the DVLA's digital records. Motorists will be able to check their penalty points online, by phone or by post.
Do I need to do anything?
People with Photocards and paper counterparts
This does not require any immediate action from you – providing your licence details are all up to date and correct. Your photocard is all you’ll need. The DVLA recommends drivers destroy the paper counterparts after June 8, as they will no longer be valid or hold any legal status. Motorists must, however, retain their photocard and remember to renew it when necessary. However, see below for the AA's advice
People without photocards – just an old paper licence
If you have an old-style paper licence issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998, and no photocard, you should NOT destroy the paper licence. The green paper licence remains legal and – providing the details are correct – you’re under no obligation to change it to a photo-based version. If you do want to upgrade, though, this can be done for free if you are changing your address, name or adding a driving entitlement
So, how can I see information about my licence now?
The paper counterpart of your driving licence used to tell you how many penalty points you have, when they expire, what classes of vehicles you can drive and when the document itself will expire. Whilst some of this information is available on the back of the photocard, it is not that clear and easy to read. New penalty points (endorsements) will only be recorded electronically, and will not be printed or written on either photocard licences or paper driving licences. To help address this, the DVLA has launched its GOV.UK online ‘View Driving Record’ service, which lets you see the data by entering your driving licence number, national insurance number, and postcode.
I want to rent a vehicle - what about car hire firms?
In the past, car rental companies have requested to see the paper counterpart to a driver’s licence. After 8 June 2015 if you are hiring a vehicle you'll need to use a new two-step online service provided by the DVLA on the GOV.UK website. NB: As of 05/05/15 this service is not fully live on the GOV.UK website!
First you'll need to log into the GOV.UK online ‘View Driving Record’ service and click on 'Share your licence information'. This generates a unique code that you give to the hire car company along with the last eight digits of your driving licence number.
The second step is for the hire car company to log on to the system and use your unique code and the last eight digits of your driving licence number to gain access to your details. They can then view your driving history but once they've logged off they won't be able to go back into it. And the code will only last three days, so this could cause problems with people hiring cars abroad. You may need to access the internet whilst overseas and generate a new code.
The online service will also allow you to download a summary of your 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 employers?
Businesses who employ drivers will already know the drill for checking drivers' records but they will now have an extra way of doing it. Employees will share their details in the same way as if they are hiring a car and give the codes to their employer.
Reaction and Advice from the AA
The AA is actually advising people to keep hold of their existing paper counterparts, as they might still be asked to produce them when travelling abroad. "Not all car rental companies, or indeed traffic police abroad, will be aware of the changes, so a 'belt and braces' approach of also taking the counterpart might help"
The AA is also advising people to check that the details on their paper counterpart, including penalty points, are identical to those on the DVLA's electronic system, before considering destroying the document.
They also have some concerns over not all drivers being comfortable with computers and surfing online. They said some people might also concerned at who exactly will be able to get access to their electronic driver record, and the potential for fraud and scams.
Comments on this article from our visitors
Message posted by Bridgelayer on 29/03/2015 14:09:02
This rule relates to the Paper Counterpart. Those of us still using our old paper licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 must NOT destroy them, they remain valid. (OH's is pink - he can hire a car abroad; mine is green so I can't but we use public transport anyway.) We will get a photocard if we change name or address or have to renew the licence.
Still got my pink one.......18yrs old......produced it as ID in a shop when purchasing some goods, and was asked 'What's that...?'!! I tried to explain, but the 'young man' would not accept it, and went to get his manager.
She accepted it, but had never seen one! Oh dear....
I have to change mine with a photo every 5 years after a medical so I can carry on driving heavy trucks . In my wallet you will find .. A drivers licence card , A Drivers certificate of profesional competence card , A digital tachograph card , An ADR card for hazodous goods , An aggregates card for quarrys .. In this day & age I fail to see why that lot cant be all placed on one smart card.
Oh just sent for a photo id one. I will have to get a passport as I dont drive. Neither of us has photo id of who we are so his photo licence and a passport for me should do?
Don't forget your driving licence has to be renewed every 10 years in any case because they require new photos every 10 years...and then they charge you for it!
I am reluctant to get a photo driving licence as there was a thread last year which was discussing sending your licence for a replacement or first time photo licence etc.
When it was returned the DVLA had removed some of the catagories that was on your old licence. I think one example was the catagory for driving a minibus was removed (obviously not for hire or reward).
I originally changed my paper licence for a photocard because I read that you need that for driving in Europe, and I had driven for a number of years with the paper one. I will need to renew again just before I get to 70, then again soon after I expect.
However my friend who lives in France has had the same photo licence for over 20 years, they don't need to renew.
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 29/3/2015
Don't forget your driving licence has to be renewed every 10 years in any case because they require new photos every 10 years...and then they charge you for it!
So they charge, so what?
It is only about 1p per day!!
Perhaps you've forgotten that holding a Driving Licence is a privilege and not a Right!!
Quote: Originally posted by LlaniDavis on 29/3/2015
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 29/3/2015Don't forget your driving licence has to be renewed every 10 years in any case because they require new photos every 10 years...and then they charge you for it!
So they charge, so what?
It is only about 1p per day!!
Perhaps you've forgotten that holding a Driving Licence is a privilege and not a Right!!
Quote: Originally posted by VangoMan02 on 29/3/2015
I use my bus pass for photo ID.
I am reluctant to get a photo driving licence as there was a thread last year which was discussing sending your licence for a replacement or first time photo licence etc.
When it was returned the DVLA had removed some of the catagories that was on your old licence. I think one example was the catagory for driving a minibus was removed (obviously not for hire or reward).
Probably more relevent to older drivers.
Ive heard of this removing catagories too, it was suggested that you photocopy your license before you send it off, and if it comes back differently. then you have proof and they reinstate what they took off
Quote: Originally posted by VangoMan02 on 29/3/2015I use my bus pass for photo ID.
I am reluctant to get a photo driving licence as there was a thread last year which was discussing sending your licence for a replacement or first time photo licence etc.
When it was returned the DVLA had removed some of the catagories that was on your old licence. I think one example was the catagory for driving a minibus was removed (obviously not for hire or reward).
Probably more relevent to older drivers.
Ive heard of this removing catagories too, it was suggested that you photocopy your license before you send it off, and if it comes back differently. then you have proof and they reinstate what they took off
Yes photocopying is a good idea, might give it a try but at the same time I wonder if I really need a photocard licence.
I don't tow to Europe anymore, I don't hire a car when abroad etc..are there any other benefits of having one?
If they are doing away with the paper counterpart, then how come you have to produce both, (or a photocard DL+passport) if you have to attend a course, for example exceeding the speed limit like I did recently. Luckily I still do have my paper and photocard driving licence, I don't have a passport!
Quote: Originally posted by VangoMan02 on 30/3/2015
..are there any other benefits of having one?
Yes,It fits nice in your wallet and has your photo on it,plus you can use it for ID,opening it like your in the FBI.
Its difficult to look a knob with the original pink paper one
Quote: Originally posted by Jax365 on 30/3/2015
If they are doing away with the paper counterpart, then how come you have to produce both, (or a photocard DL+passport) if you have to attend a course, for example exceeding the speed limit like I did recently. Luckily I still do have my paper and photocard driving licence, I don't have a passport!
Presumably because they are 'doing away' rather than 'have done away'!
Quote: Originally posted by Jax365 on 30/3/2015
If they are doing away with the paper counterpart, then how come you have to produce both, (or a photocard DL+passport) if you have to attend a course, for example exceeding the speed limit like I did recently. Luckily I still do have my paper and photocard driving licence, I don't have a passport!
The terms of a Speed awareness course state that a photocard licence is enough.
4. You must produce a current valid driver’s licence in order to attend the course. If you have a photographic driver’s licence, this is sufficient. If you have the old style paper licence, you will also need to provide further proof of identity such as a passport, bank card or utility bill.
saxo1
I had the old paper one which was splitting,wevhired a carin the USA. The guy on the desk had a laugh at it,but it was ok.
Thought I had better renew it in case I got stopped by the police abroad.
Photo type useful as id too.
Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 30/3/2015
I had the old paper one which was splitting,wevhired a carin the USA. The guy on the desk had a laugh at it,but it was ok.
Thought I had better renew it in case I got stopped by the police abroad.
Photo type useful as id too.
Did it come back with all the catagories that were on the old paper licence?
First time I got photo licence all came back correct. on renewal it didn't so had a bit of a battle with DVLA. Make sure you have a good photocopy of your paper one and check your photocard one carefully.
Quote: Originally posted by ficklejade on 31/3/2015First time I got photo licence all came back correct. on renewal it didn't so had a bit of a battle with DVLA. Make sure you have a good photocopy of your paper one and check your photocard one carefully.
Thanks for that, yes have already got a copy just incase I decide to go for a photocard licence. Mind you the DVLA site states that I don't need to get a photocard licence even when it changes this year.
I have my buspass as photo ID and a passport if ever required.
Everyone just keeps saying to get one to keep up with the times
I don't understand why you need to photocopy your existing licence when you can view your driving entitlements online and compare to what is on your licence (print it if you don't trust them!).
I am grateful for this thread for reminding me that I need to renew mine next year... But it only costs £14 for 10 years ... Bargain!
How many remember the old driving license, which was a lttle cardboard cover book with several blank pages, to which was affixed a renewal sticker each time you renewed it - like these -
If I remember correctly, this style was kept for provisional licenses only for a while after they had changed to paper 'valid until 70' licenses for those who had passed the test.
You will find that insurance brokers will start asking for your driving licence number soon.
They will use it to check your details with the DVLA, so you don't need to fill in forms/tell them about convictions and disabilities and other relevant things.
Quote: Originally posted by Jax365 on 30/3/2015If they are doing away with the paper counterpart, then how come you have to produce both, (or a photocard DL+passport) if you have to attend a course, for example exceeding the speed limit like I did recently. Luckily I still do have my paper and photocard driving licence, I don't have a passport!
The terms of a Speed awareness course state that a photocard licence is enough.
4. You must produce a current valid driver’s licence in order to attend the course. If you have a photographic driver’s licence, this is sufficient. If you have the old style paper licence, you will also need to provide further proof of identity such as a passport, bank card or utility bill.
saxo1
In my area, I need to produce both to do the course. Or a photocard and a passport... must be different in different areas.
Quote "In my area, I need to produce both to do the course. Or a photocard and a passport... must be different in different areas."
The requirement posted is from the national guidelines,see below:
www.ttc-uk.com/documents/t&c/SACTermsConditions.pdf
The terms for Cheshire Police are the same:
"You will be required to produce a valid photo card driving licence at the start of the course.
If you do not hold a photo card style driving licence, you will need to provide your passport or other suitable photo identification (e.g. work ID card, student card) in addition to your paper licence."
saxo1
Went to the my mother's bank the other day to register the power of attorney due to dementia and they wouldn't accept the photo licence on it's own. Luckily I had the green paper part as well and they said they have no plans to change. So be warned, put the paper part away. You never know when you might need it no matter what DVLA say.
I genuinely couldn't tell you where my licence is. Haven't laid eyes on it for about 3 years. I'm assuming it's in a box up the loft as it was renewed with our new address and received here not long after we moved in. Can't recall seeing it since. Maybe better have a look for it
I still have my Red licence from the 1970s (i do also have a modern one!)
Let's hope that important info is not lost, last time people found groups missing like motorcycle etc.
It was a nightmare to prove you were entitilment to missing groups, I will keep the paper bit just in case.
Keep a sharpe eye
Quote: Originally posted by solar1952 on 13/6/2015
Went to the my mother's bank the other day to register the power of attorney due to dementia and they wouldn't accept the photo licence on it's own. Luckily I had the green paper part as well and they said they have no plans to change. So be warned, put the paper part away. You never know when you might need it no matter what DVLA say.
To be fair, I'm planning on keeping hold of mine (paper counterpart) "Just in case"... and your example proves that may be a good idea (It's not exactly an inconvenience!)
Having said that, however, the theory is that they have no right to demand to see it, as it is no longer a legal document, is not required by DVLA (The issuing authority), nor, I presume, the police, the government, or any other governing body of this land. As of last Monday, the document they are asking for doesn't even exist!
When will the UK government accept that we're in the 21st century? German licences have been exclusively on a card for years with penalties etc. stored on them. All traffic police, hire compaies, etc. can 'read' the card using scanners.
I have no current pictorial ID; only an expired British Visitor's Passport from 1991; and a long-held disabled parking "Blue Badge", bearing a photo from early 2000s.
There is certainly no legal requirement to own a current passport, photocard driving licence, or any photo ID.
If any organisation finds it difficult to accept ID sans photo; that is their failing, not ours.
Note that to qualify for a free photocard replacement licence; a driver must change name, address, or vehicle group entitlement.
Otherwise, one must pay for passport-style photos, and a £20 fee: that's a lot of money for nothing!
I think I'm right in saying that the bank I refer to is owned by us through the bail outs. The thing is that the bank has no plans not to ask for the paper. But perversely the bank is technically a government agency and therefore at odds with itself. And I used to laugh at paranoia jokes.
I've just received my new licence with instructions to "Destroy the counterpart" after 8th June as it is no longer a legal document. If the bank ask for it to be produced, refer them to DVLA. (Or tell 'em to get knotted! )
I think I would be going mad with the Bank Manager, Kimmie!
It's your account, your money and your choice. Tell him that after 40 years, if they don't know you now, they never will, so you're going to use another bank.
(Unless they think you're the money laundering type!)
Unfortunately my mother has Alzheimer's and we need to access her money to pay for her care. My father is paying all the bills at the moment from the funds that he needs to pay for his care. The only way we can sort the problem is to jump through the bank's hoops, however stupid. We are also trying to separate a joint account as my mother is not competent to sign anything meaning my father can't access his own money in the joint account. Don't ask but is takes two signatures on the account to do anything except pay money in. We also have another 2 banks to deal with once this one has been sorted. My main point is, DO NOT pay any attention to instructions to dispose of the green paper part of your license.
None of the major banks that I have looked at will accept a licence counterpart as proof of identity.
There are lots of things they will accept there should be no difficulty producing something else.
saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by Bridgelayer on 15/6/2015I think I would be going mad with the Bank Manager, Kimmie!
It's your account, your money and your choice. Tell him that after 40 years, if they don't know you now, they never will, so you're going to use another bank.
(Unless they think you're the money laundering type!)
Ha ha. Hubby got no money to launder. Would just make it easier if I was not around for anything.
And it's me that sorts all the bills, hence my name is on them. He doesn't get any bills except an unused credit card and a bank account which pays his phone bill. He would be stuffed for a credit rating.
Could you please explain that to our local Lloyds Bank. I took along the rates bill from the council, in my name, with my address etc etc. No, they wanted the green copy from the driving license. I could wait until news of the 21st century filters down to our local branch or I could get on with sorting my mother's affairs so that her care home can be paid the £700 a week it costs. There is no point in standing on ceremony and mother forced to leave her care home. When all this started I rang Lloyds main number and asked to be transferred to my mother's branch. Not a problem, eventually. They transferred me to the wrong branch but it started with the right first letter. Fair attempt. They transferred me to the right branch and said to contact my local branch. They couldn't transfer me so back to head office. They said they couldn't get an answer from our local branch but would leave a message. Phone rings, a Lloyds branch 120 miles away had received the message. They couldn't transfer me back so head office again. They put me through to my local branch who answered the phone, got an appointment and then a phone call from them to say they'd rcvd a message to ring me. That was the message answered from 120 miles away as well. Today I managed to get an appointment to see them in two weeks time. Hopefully the care home aren't too worried about money. Without the green copy I wouldn't have got this far no matter what the banks websites say. To get this sorted I will happily wear a tutu and flippers, if they want a green copy there is no sense in arguing. In their defense Lloyds said that it was their computer, it wants the box for the green copy ticked, they can't tick it if they haven't seen it and therefore no progress.
RRR's and Elbow springs to mind. They can access yoyr "green Part " on-line with your permission. Refer them to the web address and educate themselves.
Warnings for drivers just over Speed Limit
Motorists caught driving at just over the speed limit are to be targeted in a new police crackdown. Police Scotland has secured legal powers to issue formal warnings to drivers who are clocked at just a few mph over the limit. ....view article
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Comments on this article from our visitors
)
