UK Driver License Changes

What you need to know….

As of June 8, 2015 the information provided on the paper component of a UK drivers license will now only be available on the DVLA’s own database.  Instead of receiving the paper component of the license if you need the information it will need to be accessed online, by phone or by post.

While this change will have little effect on most drivers, the problems will arise when trying to hire a car abroad. There are several things UK drivers will need to know before hiring a car:

• You will need to obtain a code (in advance of travelling) from the DVLA website, this code will then be given to the car hire company instead of the paper portion that would’ve been given before.
• Keep in mind the code is only valid for 72 hours, which means you can’t obtain the code too far in advance of travel, but also be aware of timing if you are not renting a car right away.
• It is possible to download and print a PDF document containing your driver history, but it is unknown if this will be accepted by all hire car companies.