DVLA sets 8th June as date for driving licence changes

DVLA announces 6-month extension on abolition of paper driving licences

Last month, it was announced that the paper counterpart of the driving licence was set to be abolished in January 2015. However, these plans have now been moved back, and won’t take affect until June 8th.

The DVLA’s ‘digital agenda’ was put in place to streamline processes and remove a lot of unnecessary red tape.

However it looks like this might take a little longer than originally thought after calls from the BVRLA and several other trade organisations for the DVLA to provide online driving licence checking systems as a replacement for the paper counterpart.

Who can view my information?

The system will significantly assist car hire companies, such as Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental, who require real time confirmation of customers’ details.

The digital enquiry system will be developed in partnership with the DVLA and various associations who will require access to the service. Information will only be held with the permission of the driving licence holder. The online service will display information currently shown on the paper counterpart and only authorised users will have access to it.

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental are working with the DVLA to create the best solution for its customers and aim to invest in a fully integrated system that will be able to confirm customers’ details in real time. Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental operations manager, Margaret Speirs commented:

‘The creation of a sophisticated digital enquiry system is very much positive news for the Rental industry. Being able to check customers’ up-to-date details at the touch of a button will help us provide a more flexible and seamless service.’

What does this mean for me?

Pretty good news actually. Having the integrated digital enquiry system means businesses will have your up-to-date details without having to call up an intermediary or the DVLA to confirm your details.

Driving licence holders will still be able to check their own details at any time, including any endorsements/penalty points. All information can be checked on the DVLA’s driver record, by phone, or post.

How do I get prepared for going paperless?

By doing nothing… seriously. The DVLA will stop issuing the paper counterpart after June 8th. But remember you need to keep BOTH parts of your licence until that date.