Driving licence changes
The DVLA have recently released advice to motorists following the abolition of the counterpart to the photocard driving licence that is coming into force from the 8th June.
From the 8th June, the DVLA will no longer be issuing paper counterparts to the photocard licence and it will no longer be valid.
When the paper counterpart was introduced it was used to show information that would not fit onto the photocard, information such as any endorsements and what the motorist is entitled to drive.
This does not apply to photocard licences issued by DVA in Northern Ireland.
Drivers who hold a paper counterpart are advised to destroy any paper parts after this date but keep the photocard driving licence.
Motorists with only paper driving licences
Any licence paper only driving licences that have been issued before 1998 should not be destroyed and will remain valid.
If you need to update your name (https://www.gov.uk/change-name-driving-licence), address (https://www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence) or renew (https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence) your licence, you will be issued with a photocard only.
Penalty Points (endorsements)
From 8 June 2015 points will only be recorded electronically they will not be written on the paper counterpart.
If you produce in court both parts the court will only return the Card paperpart back to you.
How to view your driving licence details
The DVLA have a free view Driving Licence service (https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence) lets you see what details are on your licence, this also shows you what vehicles you are entitled to drive.
Confirming Your driving record to a third party.
This can be done online by accessing Share Driving Licence (https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence) service. From 8th June this service should be used by both holders of Paper only and card and paper counterpart licences.
Using this service a ‘check code’ can be generated and passed onto the nominated person/organisation that needs to view Your driving lience details.
The DVLA have also given the option of generating a code by calling 0300 083 0013 and the DVLA will provide a code.
The code and the driving licence number can then be used by the individual/organisation to check the driving licence online, the code will last for 72 hours.
