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DVLA gives more time for car hire planning | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Travellers needing to hire a car abroad will now have three weeks to share extra driving licence details with hire companies instead of three days. | |
A new system requires motorists to access the DVLA website to generate a check code that allows companies to see whether a driver has penalty points. | |
The code was introduced after the paper counterpart license that carries such details was computerised. | |
The DVLA initially allowed the code to stay "live" for just 72 hours. | |
The checking period is now 21 days. | The checking period is now 21 days. |
The government responded after car hire companies complained of queues and drivers complained they may not have internet access while abroad to generate a new code. | |
The DVLA said that for those who do not have internet access, a phone number would also be made available - although this is not a 24-hour number. | |
Motoring organisations were also concerned that many drivers and car hire companies were unaware of the new system, and those that were found it tricky to use. | |
The DVLA says using the system is not complicated. | |
"It's very easy to view and share your driving record. Just go to gov.uk and search for 'view driving licence'," said Oliver Morley, the DVLA's chief executive. | "It's very easy to view and share your driving record. Just go to gov.uk and search for 'view driving licence'," said Oliver Morley, the DVLA's chief executive. |
As a result of the abolition of the paper counterpart, all evidence of driving endorsements and convictions will be held online only. | As a result of the abolition of the paper counterpart, all evidence of driving endorsements and convictions will be held online only. |
The eight million or so old-style paper licences - which carry endorsements on them - will remain valid. | |
The system does not apply to Northern Ireland drivers. | The system does not apply to Northern Ireland drivers. |