Amidst a raft of recent regulation changes affecting motorists, designed to cut down on red tape and paperwork, from 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart section of the driving licence will be scrapped. So what does this mean for car drivers, and what do you need to know about the changes? We have the answers…
We always wondered what the green paper section of the licence was really all about because basically it’s usually only needed when hiring a car. Well obviously the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shares our view because as of roughly five weeks’ time, it will no longer be a legal document.
It’s all part of an ongoing cost cutting measure by Government motoring agencies with more activities moving online, saving an estimated £8 million in the process. And this particular move, it is hoped, will also cut down on fraud – hence why the Government has teamed up with the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) to create a joint venture called MyLicence.
Insurance companies will be able to check drivers’ licences using MyLicence to stop drivers making false statements about convictions, although permission would need to be given by the insured before access is granted.
So what does this mean? For a start, if you renew your licence or change our address, the DVLA will only send a new photocard. You will be able to check your details online at the government website here
Despite ‘Keep this Safe’ appearing in bold at the top, after 8 June you can destroy the paper counterpart of your driving licence, but you obviously need to keep your current photocard licence. Beware, though – if you’ve only got a paper licence like the one below (issued prior to 1998), then you need to hold on to it because they’re still valid and shouldn’t be got rid of.
From 8 June, penalty points will no longer be recorded on paper licences but instead recorded online – and you’ll be able to check this yourself by logging on to the government’s site. You’ll also be able to confirm which vehicles you are entitled to drive, when your licence expires and amend your address online. To do this you will need your driving licence number (shown on your photocard) and your National Insurance number.
If you’re hiring a car, or getting the use of a car via an employer, then businesses will be able (with your permission) to access the DVLA’s database (a service called Share Driving Licence, which is still under development) where all the information that’s currently on the paper counterpart will be available. This will also let you download a summary of your licence which can be printed and shared.
To be honest, we never really saw the point of the paper section of a driving licence anyway – but sometimes the old fashioned methods work best and we just hope the new system doesn’t lead to more admin and keyboard tapping.
Tell us what you think…
Ian
The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage
I doubt anyone will be disappointed. The plastic version is easier to carry more durable, in the long run cheaper for the DVLA to administrate.
Paper is paper I for one see this as a sad time, Involved with Thyssens who built DVLC in Morrison.
But.
If it stops European fraud and others dodgers good.
I say let’s john in Europe such as Austria and as soon as you enter a minimum of 1 (one) months vehicle licence duty and certificate of insurance or no entry.
That’s what we are being abused on as a country, lots more to think about.
I suggest caution with this advice as I understand if you want to hire a car abroad you will still need to produce your paper licence!