Counterpart Driving Licence

[Tony Knight]

I have just read on the BBC News website that motorists are being warned about problems hiring cars abroad. Since the paper counterpart driving licence, which registers convictions and fines, is being computerised motorists will have to obtain a special code from the DVLA before going abroad. Unfortunately, the code is only valid for 72 hours, so if the hire car is required for more than 3 days a new code will have to be generated whilst abroad. Although some hire companies may not be aware of this ruling, the AA are recommending a 'belt and braces' attitude and are advising motorists to retain the above document.

Tony Knight

[logicbob]

I have just read on the BBC News website that motorists are being warned about problems hiring cars abroad. Since the paper counterpart driving licence, which registers convictions and fines, is being computerised motorists will have to obtain a special code from the DVLA before going abroad. Unfortunately, the code is only valid for 72 hours, so if the hire car is required for more than 3 days a new code will have to be generated whilst abroad. Although some hire companies may not be aware of this ruling, the AA are recommending a 'belt and braces' attitude and are advising motorists to retain the above document.

Tony Knight

You only need to generate the code once for each rental. I think it is a great idea that's another piece of paper I do not have to carry around all the time.

[Geoff]

Having hired cars for many years, I don't recall ever being asked for the paper bit! ...to be on the safe side, don't throw the paper bit away!

[ceh]

Am I right in thinking that this paper counterpart is the bit that goes with the photo licences? And as I only have the old style paper licence I don't need to worry?

[Geoff]

Hi Caroline

You are ok :
"Paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid and should not be destroyed. "

see:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driv ... ce-changes

Geoff

[HampshireRich]

Hi Caroline

You are ok :
"Paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid and should not be destroyed. "

see:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driv ... ce-changes

Geoff

You will still need to access the DVLA site to obtain the access code which is valid for 3 days - this (in theory) allows the car leasing company access to your records on the DVLA to check for penalty points etc.

Click here for full article :- Rules for license checks

Anyone wanting to hire a car abroad will officially need a code to show convictions for offences like speeding.
To obtain it, motorists will have to log on to the DVLA website beforehand.

But the code is only valid for 72 hours, so anyone wanting to hire a car more than three days into their trip will need to generate a new code while they are abroad.

For those who do not have internet access, a phone number will also be made available.

The old-style paper licences, issued before the photo card was introduced in 1998, will remain valid, but holders will still need a code to fully validate them.

To view a record of their convictions, motorists can log on to the View My Driving licence page of the government website.

They will need their driving licence number, their national insurance number and their postcode.

[Geoff]

Theoretically true, Hampshirerich, but I can just see a lot of the P4 car companies asking for that code!

[HampshireRich]

Theoretically true, Hampshirerich, but I can just see a lot of the P4 car companies asking for that code!

I agree Geoff - never been asked for the paper counterfoil before either. However, best forewarned.

[ceh]

Thanks Geoff and HampshireRich - I will follow this up before we return in June (mindfull of the 72hrs limit)

Caroline

[TomUK]

I have been hiring cars in Portugal for many years. Originally with old small booklet style licence, which of course included any convictions. Since obtaining the plastic photo licence, I have never ever been asked for the paper counterfoil. I doubt if this will be an issue with car hire companies.
However, we have always been told to carry the paper section in case we are involved with the traffic police for any reason. Thankfully I haven't had any dealings with the police, do they actually demand to see the paper counterfoil if they stop you or attend an accident?

[Tony Knight]

Hi.

Pleasing to see that the DVLA have changed the length of the validity of the code required for driving licence purposes when hiring a car, extending the period from 72 hours to 3 weeks. At least it will mean that holidaymakers will not have to try to get access to the internet whilst on holiday to renew the code. On the subject of motoring, I read in today's press that the EU plan to force the major oil companies to replace regular unleaded fuel with a 'green' version by 2020. Apart from being more expensive it means that pre-2000 cars will not be able run on the new E10 biofuel. One wonders what ruling will Brussels seek to impose on us next!!!!

Tony Knight

[hedley]

Any one had any bother renting recently without the palaver of generating this newfangled code thingy.

After all this is Portugal.

Paper copy and Counterpart aren't going to be refused Shirley.

[VON VON]

No problem downloading a code before we travelled, hired the car ok they didnt ask for code it was just as normal, but thought we would download one any way and its real easy. No Problems.

[TomUK]

Which company was that with VonVon?

[ceh]

We didnt have any problems hiring through YOR three weeks ago