Photo card driving license’s and its paper counterpart were introduced in 1998 with the paper element allowing details to be entered that could not be included on the plastic card itself. These include any endorsements and the categories of vehicle the holder is entitled to drive.
This information will now be stored electronically and therefore will not be shown on any written documentation associated with the license. As of 8th June 2015, the DVLA will no longer be issuing the paper counterpart to the photocard driving license.
In addition, since 8th June 2015, the paper counterpart will no longer have any legal status meaning you cannot use or rely on it.
It is important to understand the change in procedure if you have to surrender your driving license to a court in the event of receiving an endorsement. If you include the paper counterpart with your submission, the photocard element will be returned to you however the paper counterpart will be kept hold of.
The paying of fines and the allocation of points will continue in the normal way.
For business drivers or for anyone driving for work, another important change is how you can provide proof of your driving record to an employer or car hire firm as your photocard or paper license will no longer be enough in itself.
Drivers will need access to the DVLA’s Share Driving License service, which went live on 19th May 2015. Drivers will also be expected to access details themselves, print them and submit them to a car hire firm or employer, unless they are able to call the DVLA and give a third party permission in order to check your driving record verbally.
Due to a high number of employers hiring vehicles, it is important to check with the car/van hire firm to know what information they will need. Drivers can obtain a special code (from www.gov.uk), which allows the vehicle hire firm access to your records for 72 hours in order to make any necessary checks. This process can apply to both holders of a photocard and a paper license.
The responsibility is very much on the driver and/or employer to obtain the information they need beforehand in order to drive a vehicle legally. Walker Health and Safety Service hope this will not catch out drivers and employers.
If you require assistance, please contact Walker Health & Safety Services on:
Website: http://walkersafety.co.uk/
E-mail: info@walkersafety.co.uk
Telephone: 0845 834 0400
Fax: 0845 834 0401