Navigating the DVLA Licence Check: Your Essential Guide
In the UK, your driving licence is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a crucial document that dictates your legal ability to drive various vehicle types, records any endorsements, and tracks penalty points. With the digital age, accessing and sharing this information has become a streamlined process thanks to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) online services.
Whether you’re an individual wanting to monitor your own driving record, an employer needing to verify staff licences, or a rental company validating a customer’s eligibility, understanding the DVLA licence check process is paramount. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, ensuring you’re always in control and compliant.
Why Do You Need a DVLA Licence Check?
The reasons for performing a DVLA licence check are varied, but all boil down to ensuring legality, safety, and compliance. Here’s why you might need one:
- For Employers: If you manage a fleet or employ individuals who drive as part of their job (even occasionally), conducting regular DVLA licence checks is not just good practice – it’s often a legal and insurance requirement. It helps you:
- Confirm employees hold the correct entitlements for the vehicles they drive.
- Identify any penalty points, endorsements, or disqualifications that could impact their ability to drive safely or legally.
- Fulfil your duty of care to employees and the public.
- Ensure your company’s insurance policies remain valid.
- For Vehicle Rental Companies: Before handing over the keys, rental companies must verify that a customer holds a valid, full driving licence and meets specific criteria (e.g., age, no major endorsements). The DVLA check provides this vital reassurance.
- For Individuals (You!): It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of your own driving record. As a driver, checking your licence allows you to:
- Monitor your penalty points: Stay informed about how many points you have accumulated and when they are due to expire.
- Check vehicle categories: Confirm which vehicles you are entitled to drive (e.g., car, motorbike, minibus).
- Verify licence validity: Ensure your licence hasn’t expired or is due to expire soon.
- Access your check code: Generate a code to share your driving record securely with third parties like employers or rental agencies.
- Identify incorrect information: Spot and rectify any errors on your record promptly.
- For Insurance Purposes: Some insurance providers may ask for details of your driving record, especially if you’re taking out a new policy or have had recent endorsements.
Understanding Your Driving Licence Information
Your physical driving licence card contains a lot of information, but the full details of your driving record – including penalty points, disqualifications, and specific codes – are held digitally by the DVLA. This digital record is what the DVLA licence check accesses.
Here’s a snapshot of the key information you’ll find:
- Personal Details: Your photo, name, date of birth, and address.
- Licence Number: Your unique 16-digit driver number.
- Validity Dates: The dates your licence is valid from and to.
- Vehicle Categories: Letters and numbers indicating the types of vehicles you’re entitled to drive (e.g., B for cars, A for motorcycles).
- Endorsements: Codes and dates for any penalty points or driving offences.
- Condition Codes: Two-digit codes indicating any conditions you must meet when driving (e.g., “01” for eyesight correction, “101” for not for hire or reward).
How to Perform a DVLA Licence Check (For Individuals)
The primary method for you to access your personal driving record and generate a shareable code is through the DVLA’s “View Your Driving Licence Information” online service. It’s free, quick, and secure.
What You’ll Need:
- Your UK Driving Licence Number: (found on your photocard)
- Your National Insurance Number: (found on your NI card, payslip, or official letters)
- The Postcode on your Driving Licence: (must match exactly)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the Official DVLA Website: Go to www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence. Be wary of unofficial sites that may charge for this free service.
- Click “Start now”: You’ll be prompted to enter the required details.
- Enter Your Details: Carefully input your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and the postcode linked to your licence.
- Access Your Information: Once authenticated, you’ll see several tabs displaying your driving record:
- Your Details: Basic personal information.
- Vehicles You Can Drive: A detailed list of all vehicle categories you’re entitled to drive, along with their start and expiry dates.
- Penalty Points & Disqualifications: Any current or expired penalty points, endorsements, and details of any disqualifications. This is crucial for monitoring your record.
- Generate a “Check Code” / “Licence Share Code”: If you need to share your record with an employer, rental company, or another third party, simply click on the “Get a share code” tab. A unique 21-day valid code will be generated. Make a note of it or print it, as you’ll also need to provide your driving licence number to the third party.
What is the “Check Code” / “Licence Share Code”?
This nine-character code is your secure way to grant temporary access to your driving record. It acts like a password for a limited period, allowing designated third parties to view the same information you see online (excluding your National Insurance number). Each code is valid for 21 days from generation. After this period, if someone needs to view your details again, you’ll have to generate a new code.
How Employers (or Other Third Parties) Perform a DVLA Licence Check
Once you’ve provided your share code and driving licence number, the third party can easily check your record.
Step-by-Step Process for Third Parties:
- Visit the DVLA Check Code Service: They will go to www.gov.uk/check-driving-licence.
- Enter Your Details: They will input your driving licence number and the share code you provided.
- View Your Driving Record: They will then be able to view your driving entitlements, endorsements, penalty points, and disqualifications. This service does not show your National Insurance number or address.
For businesses that need to check multiple employee licences regularly, there are also commercial driving licence checking services. These services often integrate with HR systems and provide automated, ongoing checks, reducing administrative burden and ensuring continuous compliance. While these services charge a fee, the DVLA’s direct “Check Driving Licence” service for third parties remains free.
Key Information You’ll See on a Check
When you (or a third party with your share code) look at your driving record, you’ll see a wealth of information. Here’s a table outlining the most critical elements:
| Information Category | What It Means / Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Current Entitlements | Lists all vehicle categories you are legally allowed to drive (e.g., B for cars, A for motorcycles, D1 for minibuses). Essential for verifying you hold the correct licence for the vehicle you’re driving or operating. |
| Valid From / To Dates | Shows the start and expiry dates for each vehicle category and the overall licence. Critical for ensuring your licence is current and valid. Driving with an expired licence is illegal. |
| Endorsements | Details of any penalty points, driving offences (e.g., speeding – SP30, using a mobile phone – CU80), and the date they were imposed. Points typically remain on your record for 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence, but only count towards disqualification for 3 years. |
| Penalty Points Total | The cumulative number of current penalty points on your licence. Accumulating 12 or more points within a 3-year period can lead to disqualification. |
| Disqualifications | Information about any periods you have been disqualified from driving, including the start and end dates. Crucial for legal compliance and insurance. |
| Conditional Codes | Two-digit codes indicating specific conditions for driving (e.g., 01 for needing eyesight correction, 106 for ‘no high capacity engine motor tricycle’ for category A). You must adhere to these conditions. |
Common Scenarios and Important Considerations
- Expired Licence: Driving with an expired licence is illegal and can lead to fines, penalty points, and invalidated insurance. Always check your licence’s expiry date and renew it promptly.
- New Drivers (Probationary Period): If you are a new driver and accumulate 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing your first test, your licence will be revoked. You’ll then need to reapply for a provisional licence and resit both your theory and practical tests.
- Driving Abroad: While your UK photocard licence is generally accepted in EU countries and many others, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for certain destinations. Always check the requirements for your specific travel plans.
- Changing Address or Name: You are legally required to inform the DVLA of any change to your address or name. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000. It’s also important for ensuring your records are up to date for any online checks.
- GDPR and Data Privacy: When an employer or other third party requests your share code, they are processing your personal data. They must do so in compliance with GDPR regulations, ensuring transparency about why they need the information and how it will be used and stored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long is a DVLA check code valid for? A: A DVLA check code (or share code) is valid for 21 days from the date it is generated. After this period, you will need to generate a new one if someone needs to view your record again.
Q: Can I check someone else’s driving licence without their permission? A: No. It is illegal and a breach of data protection (GDPR) to access someone’s driving record without their explicit permission. They must provide you with their driving licence number and a valid share code for you to view their details.
Q: What if my licence information is incorrect on the DVLA website? A: If you find any discrepancies or errors in your online driving record, you should contact the DVLA immediately. You can usually do this by phone or through their official contact channels provided on the GOV.UK website.
Q: Do I need to provide my National Insurance number to generate a share code? A: Yes, you must provide your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and the postcode on your licence to access your own record and generate a share code. This is a security measure to verify your identity.
Q: Is there a cost involved with the DVLA online licence check? A: No, the DVLA’s “View Your Driving Licence Information” service for individuals and the “Check Driving Licence” service for third parties (using a share code) are both completely free of charge. Be cautious of unofficial websites that may attempt to charge you for this service.
Q: What if I don’t have internet access to generate a share code? A: If you don’t have internet access, you can call the DVLA’s contact centre. They can provide a service to allow a third party to check your driving record over the phone, but this is usually reserved for exceptional circumstances and may require specific identification verification.
Conclusion
The DVLA licence check is an indispensable tool for maintaining the integrity and safety of our roads. As an individual, it empowers you to stay informed about your own driving record, helping you avoid unexpected issues like an expired licence or accumulating too many penalty points. For businesses, it’s a vital component of compliance, risk management, and ensuring driver safety.
By familiarising yourself with the straightforward process of accessing and sharing your driving licence information, you can navigate your driving life with confidence and peace of mind. Make it a habit to periodically check your own record – it’s quick, free, and incredibly important. Take control of your driving future today!