I attended the MSA East Midlands training day in Nottingham a couple of weeks ago, it was really good event. However, I was surprised how many ADIs were not aware that the driving licence counterpart was due to be scrapped on 1 January 2015.
However, it seems government have changed their mind. Today 12/12/2014 DVLA has issued the MSA this statement:
“Timescales for abolishing the driving licence paper counterpart are under discussion, and we can confirm that it will not be abolished on 1 January 2015.
“Drivers can already check their licence details online for free via the View Driving Licence service. Once the paper counterpart has been abolished, the electronic record held by the DVLA will be the official record. Individual drivers will continue to be able to check their licence details online, and will have the ability to print a pdf copy of the information currently on the counterpart, or to generate a one-time use code to allow a third party to access this same information online, with the individual’s consent.
“DVLA is also developing a new service that will allow ‘trusted partner’ third parties to check driving licence information, providing they have the permission of the driver to do so. The DVLA is working with representatives of the car hire industry, employers, fleet operators and companies offering licence checking services on behalf of large employers to develop this service
“In addition GOV.UK provides information and advice on abolition of the driving licence paper counterpart.”
Many expressed concerns about how they would be able to check their client’s status including if they had endorsements on their licence and asked “How will I check in 2015?” MSA Newslink has carried a number of articles about this over the last few months. For the benefit of those who have not yet picked up how driving licence checks will take place after January here is a brief reminder of the new procedure.
On smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC navigate to the GOV.UK page – View your driving licence information PLEASE NOTE the warning on this page that states “It’s a criminal offence to obtain someone else’s personal information without their permission.”
In order to check licence details you will need the person’s driving licence number, National Insurance number, the postcode on the person’s driving licence and their permission to proceed.
The site will display personal details including: name; date of birth; gender and address. Licence details: driving status; licence valid from and valid to; driving licence number and licence issue number.
A second tab reveals vehicles the licence holder can drive and the third tab reveals details of penalties and disqualifications.
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