IAM expresses concern over scrapped paper counterparts
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has expressed concerns over implications surrounding the scrapping of the paper diving licence counterpart which took effect earlier this week (8 June).
Details will need to be obtained through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) driver record system and checked online – something the IAM believe will cause issues for those wishing to hire vehicles, including motorhomes.
The paper counterpart no longer has any legal status and the DVLA has recommended those still in possession of them destroyed the counterpart in order to avoid confusion going forward. Instead, access to the DVLA’s Share Driving Licence Service will be needed as part of proof when it comes to hiring a vehicle, with details requiring to be printed off by those looking to hire.
An alternative to downloading and printing the information required will be a special code, which can be obtained from www.gov.uk and allows hire firms to access records for up to 72 hours in order to make necessary checks. This applies to both holders of photocard and paper licences.
CEO of IAM, Sarah Sillars, commented “The onus is very much on the individual to obtain the information they need beforehand. So we very much hope people will not be caught unawares, especially if they don’t want a nasty surprise when arriving to collect their car at the start of their holiday.”
Introduced in 1998 and containing information about endorsements and which categories of vehicle road users are entitled to use, the counterpart has been scrapped and replaced with information now being stored electronically.
