You must log in or register to see images
MOST DRIVERS in the UK are unaware the paper part of the driving licence is being scrapped this month. It could leave millions of motorists inconvenienced when trying to hire a car or use their licence as proof of identity.
Car hire firms will no longer require just a driving licence when renting a car in the UK from 8 June. This is because the photo driving licence will not be considered sufficient proof of identity on its own.
Drivers will be able to access the Share Driving Licence scheme, which allows them to print off details required by a car hire firm.
However, no paper counterparts will be issued by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Any penalty points on a driver’s licence will now be stored electronically and not displayed on the driving licence.
When a driver commits a speeding offence, they will now surrender their photo licence to have the points added but no paper counterpart will be issued.
Sarah Sillars, the Institute of Advanced Drivers’ Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘People are not aware of how many of the current procedures are changing. Similar to the abolition of the tax disc, they assume much of what has happened before will continue.
‘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.’
