By Jamie White – Head of Communications

The paper counterpart driving licence document is to be scrapped next week.

From June 8th, counterpart to the photocard driving licence will not be valid and will no longer be issued by the DVLA.

However, paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid and should not be destroyed.

New penalty points endorsements will only be recorded electronically, and will not be printed or written on either photocard licences or paper driving licences.

Drivers who are planning to hire a vehicle abroad or test drive a vehicle will need to get a special code from the DVLA website and input their driving licence details.

This can then be handed to hire-car companies which will be able to access the driver’s full licence details and penalty-point record. However, the code will only work for 72 hours before a new one is required.

To access the site, drivers will need to provide their driving licence number, post code and national insurance number.

Drivers can also request a code by calling 0300 083 0013. This also applies if the person hiring the vehicle has a paper licence that was issued before 1998.

More information about the new system can be found here.