Going abroad this summer? Driving licence change...

kendo1

kendo1

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55% of UK drivers don't know about the change to hiring cars abroad this summer.
From 8th June you need to get a code from the DVLA, as the paper counterpart is being withdrawn.

The code lasts for 72 hours, so if you are hiring a car some time into your holiday you will need to apply while you are away.

Not all hire companies ask for the paper counterpart, and not all companies will ask for the code, but if you don't have one they'll probably ask!

Yep! It affects me this summer.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-32481382
 
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That seems to be the advice given on the BBC site as well. Pretty sure an A4 piece of paper won't bust the wallet and if it makes life easier then it's worth the risk! (Took the counterpart last year and didn't need it. Using the same company this year so probably won't need it but WILL take it just in case!)
 
DVLA suggest you destroy your paper part. I'll be hanging onto mine. Mind you the last time I needed it in the us, they didn't understand the word endorsements. I told them they were the additional courses I'd taken, driving at speed....
 
More red tape nonsense.

However it always did seem senseless having a plastic and a paper part that got lost.

Obviously smart cards are too complex or cannot be read in far flung parts of the world.
 
kendo1 said:
Not all hire companies ask for the paper counterpart, and not all companies will ask for the code, but if you don't have one they'll probably ask!
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One will still be able to access the DVLA licence check site from the hire company's computer to confirm licence details...

Everyone knows their NI number, right?
 
Of course I do - I think - it's the same as my National Identity number isn't it ?
 
Why must they make life so difficult?
Even to the point of now having to log on to check whether convictions are spent or otherwise.
And only a 72 hour duration, for the "validity code"
Not everyone has internet access when traveling, but of course there is a phone number.
Which will cost a fortune one way or another to call.
Either a premium rate number or get stung with roaming charges by your supplier :rolleyes:
 
No bother to me with my paper licence, might get a plastic one in a couple of years though:cool:
 
onomatopoeia said:
One will still be able to access the DVLA licence check site from the hire company's computer to confirm licence details...
Click to expand...
Will they allow that though or just throw their hands up in disbelief at those bloody Brits? :D

onomatopoeia said:
Everyone knows their NI number, right?
Click to expand...

Actually yes I do anyway,
 
ChrisHeathcote said:
For some reason its one number I can remember. Ask me my phone number, not a chance. But ask me my NI and it rolls off the tongue. :)
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is it OO000000O?
 
Mine's CL 17 0R 15...
 
Byker28i said:
DVLA suggest you destroy your paper part. I'll be hanging onto mine. Mind you the last time I needed it in the us, they didn't understand the word endorsements. I told them they were the additional courses I'd taken, driving at speed....
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Funnily enough, the one place I have never been asked for the counterpart is in the US. They've just not been interested.

onomatopoeia said:
Everyone knows their NI number, right?
Click to expand...

Yes, put me down as another who does. :-)
 
Who wouldn't know their NI no.?
I'm wired (not weird) that way, I find it difficult to forget numbers.
 
I can remember some numbers but not others. A phone number from 40 odd years ago, yup but my own mobile number, not a chance! (NI number is one I do know, even though it's not one I often need!)
 
Mikesphotaes said:
No bother to me with my paper licence, might get a plastic one in a couple of years though:cool:
Click to expand...

You couldn't have read the link ;).

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.
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You're right Dave, never seen that, hopefully will remember my NI number.

I doubt many hire folk abroad will bother, but time will tell:oops: :$

Only need the car for three weeks on holiday:eek:
 
Bumping this because it's getting close..

(reminded of this as I'm in the middle of advising a client why the way they're now checking employee licenses is wrong and why they need to do it the proper way or fall foul of the ICO)
 
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