HIRE CAR COLLECTION UK OR ABROAD - NEW RULES FROM 8 JUNE 2015 FOR THOSE WITH UK DRIVING LICENCES

The information below is important to anyone planning on hiring a car either in the UK or oversees from 8 June 2015 and who holds a UK driving licence. [Not applicable to photocard licences issued by DVA in Northern Ireland].

The paper counterparts to driving licences will be abolished from that date and any driving convictions and penalty points will not be displayed on a licence [whether paper or photocard].  Paper driving licences issued prior to the photocard licence issued up until 1998 remain valid and should not be destroyed.

If, therefore, you intend to hire a car either in the UK or abroad, it is important that you obtain up to date driving conviction and penalty point information.

From 8 June, new rules mean you need to request a personal code from the DVLA up to 72 hours before picking up a car either in the UK or abroad. This is so hire firms can check for points, as paper counterparts are being scrapped for photocard holders. You may not be asked, but to be safe ensure you get one in advance.

To get a code, you'll need to request one from DVLA via Gov.uk [click on Share your licence for a unique one time access code and, if required, a summary of your licence information which can be sent to the hire company] or by calling the UK no 0300 790 6801.

You will need to provide your driving licence number found on your photocard or on your paper driving licence for paper-only motorists, national insurance number and the postcode on your driving licence.

Give this code to the rental desk when you pick up your car - it effectively gives the company temporary access to your licence info. To share their details motorists must generate a code, which can then be redeemed just once by the third party. From 10 July 2015 the check code generated for motorists to share their driving licence details will be valid for 21 days. Previously the code was valid for 72 hours.

You'll also be able to download a PDF of your licence, which will be worth taking as a precaution - though you will still need the code. Not all car hire companies currently request to see the paper part of your licence, so may not ask for the code either, but don't take the risk - get a code just in case.

Some driving organisations such as the AA are also advising motorists to take the paper counterpart of their photocard licence with them too just in case there are any problems. It's also warning drivers who want to hire a car abroad to be extra cautious as overseas car hire firms, or even traffic police abroad, may not be aware of the changes and may demand to see your paper licence.

It is recommended that you read the full article on the Government website - please click on this link.Important driving licence changes from 8 June 2015