Check your driving licence information

C heck your driving licence information

From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence was replaced by an online service.  This will save motorists millions of pounds and change the way they share their information with driving schools and car hire companies.

Last year DVLA had to replace around 445,000 counterparts because drivers had lost them, for which they were charged £20 each to cover the cost.

The paper counterpart includes information on a driver's penalty points along with details of what vehicles they can drive.  Drivers still need to keep their actual driving licence, whether it is a plastic photocard licence or an old style paper licence which was issued before 1998. 

There has been some concern about how the changes affect things like taking driving lessons or test driving a new car, but officials are reassuring motorists that the new system will improve things.

It's very easy to view and share your driving record.  Just search for 'view driving licence'.  You can view your information electronically and MUST generate a check code which will then to be shared with your driving instructor.

This new service is offered in addition to existing services, and is designed for those who have a business need (ie driving instructor) for real-time access to the information and would prefer not to call DVLA or use an intermediary.  The information will only be shared with companies or individuals who have a need to see it and you will be informed before any checks are carried out - so no-one can check up on your driving record without you knowing about it

How to share your driving licence details

Use this guide to provide information on your driving entitlements and any endorsements.  For example, when booking driving lessons.

Go to:
1. www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

2. Enter your driver number, National Insurance number and the postcode shown on your current driving licence:

Your driving licence number
Example: MORGA753116SM9IJ

Your National Insurance number
Example: MQQ123456C

Postcode
Example: SA6 7JL

3. You will now be able to view your driving licence information.  To share your driving licence with another person, select the "Share your licence information" tab (highlighted in red below

4.  Click on the 'Create a code' button.

5. You will now be shown a check code which is case sensitive.

Pass this check code onto YOUR DRIVING INSTRUCTOR to view your driving licence.  You will also need to provide them with the last 8 characters of your driving licence number.

The check code is valid for 21 days and can only be used once.
You can also download a summary of your driving licence by selecting 'View, print or save your licence information'.

For further information, please visit www.gov.uk/dvla/nomorecounterpart