Driving licence check code extended to 21 days
News
10 Jul 2015
The availability of the checking code necessary for motorists to share their driving licence details has been changed from 72 hours to 21 days as a result of a DVLA U-turn.
On 8 June, the paper counterpart to the British driving licence was abolished making way for an online system changing the way motorists share their details with employers and car hire companies.
To share their details motorists must generate a code, which can then be redeemed just once by the third party. Originally, the code was available for just 72 hours after activation - a notion that received much opposition and frustration by fleet managers and car hiring companies.
From 10 July, however, the check code generated for motorists to share their driving licence details will be valid for 21 days, rather than just 72 hours.
RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams said: “This is a dramatic U-turn from the DVLA which feels very much like a victory for common sense. Presumably they were inundated with complaints from private motorists and businesses alike about three days being far too short a period to share your licence with a hire car company or an employer.
“The move to three weeks is sensible as it provides sufficient flexibility for people hiring a car in the second or third week of a holiday or business trip. The big question is why was the validity of the ‘share your licence’ code fixed at three days in the first place, particularly as the system was brought in on the back of the abolition of the paper counterpart which the DVLA typically far longer to update with new endorsements.”
Ian Gallagher, the Freight Transport Association’s Lead on DVLA, said: “Common sense has prevailed and DVLA has listened to what we have been saying about the new online system not being fit for purpose.
“Allowing employers longer to use the code before it expires is a sensible move. However we still believe more changes are needed to make the system efficient and effective, such as the ability to check non-GB licences online instead of via an office hours-only phone line. Bulk checking of licences is also an issue that needs to be reviewed.”
