1. technology and computing
2. computer reviews

Abolition of the counterpart webchat
transcript
st
21 May 2015
Page 1
10:30
DVLA admin:
Good morning and welcome to today’s webchat about the abolition of the counterpart to
the photocard driving licence.
10:30
DVLA admin:
The event hosts are: Dudley Ashford - Drivers Service Manager, Hugh Evans Corporate Services Manager and Rob Toft - Head of Data Sharing Policy.
10:30
DVLA admin:
This is your opportunity to ask how these changes will affect you from 8 June 2015, we
look forward to your questions.
10:32
Comment From Tracy
Do Car hire companies have a separate log in for checking licences ?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Tracy. For Share Driving Licence service companies will use www.gov.uk/check-drivingli.... This is not specific to car hire companies.
10:32
Comment From Guest
We are a rental company and what are the proposals
Hugh Evans:
Hi, the changes are highlighted on our GOV.UK campaign page:
www.gov.uk/dvla/nomorecount...
Let us know if you have any further questions...
Page 2
10:35
Comment From What additional measures are being taken to make the customer aware
of this change, as currently we have seen very little promotion?
How long does it take for endorsements/convictions to show on my licence on line?
Hugh Evans:
Once we have received information from the courts, our records will be updated with the
endorsements/penalty points within 24 hours
10:36
Comment From Syed
Hi, The service looks pretty good. Could you please provide a link for 'Share Driving Licence'
Third party access to driver data ?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Syed, thanks for the positive feedback.
The link to check driving licence is:
www.gov.uk/check-driving-li...
Hope this helps.
10:39
Page 3
Comment From Ron Capper
Good morning, I have 3 questions. 1 / We are a London bus company with 4500 drivers, I would
like to know if we can get drivers to sign a declaration allowing us to apply for codes on their
behalf at any time whilst in employment with our company or maybe signed every 3 years? 2 /
Can the 72 hour access with the codes be increased to 7 days? 3 / How can we view historical
data regarding offences such as drink driving or bans etc? Regards R
Rob Toft:
Hi Ron,
Q1 The individual driver needs to apply for a code to allow the employer to use the check
driving licence service. It's not something the employer can do on their behalf. We would
suggest you use the ADD service which goes live from 1 June - please direct enquiries
to [email protected]
Q2, We have a duty to protect personal information. Ensuring the check code is valid for 3
days protects the driver's privacy and puts drivers in control of which commercial companies
they choose to share their details with
Q3 - DVLA records hold endorsements and convictions for as long as they remain valid and
in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, meaning that the maximum length of time an
endorsement will be visible will be 5 years. Thanks
10:39
Comment From Jackie Carroll
Under the "view your licence" facility, is there any possibility of having the driving licence
number to the endorsement page so it can be printed off for those that require it. It currently
shows no identification at all.
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Jackie - a licence summary, including endorsements can be downloaded from the 'share
your licence information' tab on View Driving Licence. This includes the drivers name and
the last 8 digits of the driving licence number. This facility is now available if you want to view
it for yourself.
10:41
Comment From Alun Thomas
I recently visited Portugal and asked the hire company if they were aware of the changes
around UK driving licenses. They were not aware. What action are you taking to make
companies aware? Especially smaller regional ones.
Hugh Evans:
Hi Alun, we have made the information available to the car hire industry through their trade
associations and direct to individual organisations. Check our GOV.UK campaign page for
further advice on hiring a vehicle abroad (www.gov.uk/dvla/nomorecount...) We've also
notified a number of car hire organisations abroad such as Lease Europe - the European
Federation of Leasing Companies and EU Authorities to make them aware of the changes.
Our free online service will be available from anywhere in world..
Page 4
10:42
Comment From Guest
Hi As an employer with numerous departments who need check several hundred staff. I have
been asked the following questions and would be grateful for clear answers to ensure our
Policies reflect this. Depending on departmental circumstances we insist on keeping paper
and/or electronic record of our staff licence checks for audit reasons. Is there any reason why an
employee ‘if willing’ could not present a print-out from the ‘View your driving licence’ website as
proof alongside their plastic licence? Is there a legal or other rationale why the employer should
only view, save or print from the ‘Check Someone’s driving licence’? p.s. My first impression is
that the software does seem very user friendly.
Rob Toft:
Thanks, while business decisions are for individual organisations to make, we would point
out that the most secure and up to date method of checking a driver's entitlement is using
the digital checking service.
10:44
Comment From I am from a leasing company and want to understand how garages will
provide courtesy cars, dealers will provide test drives if they can not see the validity of
the driver licence nor endorsements etc?
I am from a leasing company and want to understand how garages will provide courtesy cars,
dealers will provide test drives if they can not see the validity of the driver licence nor
endorsements etc?
Dudley Ashford:
The counterpart remains a legal document until the 8th June. After this date
Garages/Dealers who need to check driving licence information on customers can use our
Share Driving Licence service. The service is available 24/7 on mobile and tablet devices.
10:44
Page 5
Comment From Gill Wood
Our company requires all employees who drive our vehicles to provide a copy of their
counterpart licence. I have gone onto the Share Licence site and found it really easy to use. I
generated my check code and then used it as I would if any other employee had given it to me.
10:45
Comment From Mark
Hi. Good morning.We are an insurance Broker and the majority of insurers request we obtain
copies of the driving licence, both front and back of the card licence and likewise for the
accompanying paper counterpart. This is of course to ensure the information provided by the
client at inception matches up. The key information being convictions, date passed test, address
and date of birth. The Share Driving Licence portal appears only to show the convictions. Are
there plans to show the clients date passed test, address and date of birth? All this information
appears in My Licence and it was expected that the same information would be displayed in
SDL, a logical approach. Assuming this wont be in place then the client is going to have a very
laborious task of obtaining a code from DVLA but also proving a copy of the card part of the
licence. Obtaining a code and having all the information in a one stop shop would be much
better for all. Thanks, Mark.
Hugh Evans:
Hi Mark
The information available on 'Share Driving Licence' will include the driver's full entitlement
(full and prov) and their endorsements/penalty points details. The Share Driving Licence
service will replace the counterpart and will not remove the requirement to produce the
photocard licence.
10:45
Comment From Gill Wood
Sorry I keep hitting the return key which sends the message!!! My question is for the employees
who do not have access to a computer what do we do?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Gill, drivers who cannot go online can call our Contact Centre to generate a share code.
The code can then be redeemed online by the employer.
10:46
Page 6
Comment From KP
Do you envisage the use of the one time code being rolled out across the board for other ID's
(without abolishing them). Would be very helpful as company to be able to do CDD almost
instantly.
Hugh Evans:
Sorry KP, can you explain what you mean by CDD?
10:47
Comment From Guest
Hi, For the Share My Licence, will the final live version still only be 72 hours?
Hugh Evans:
yes, the code will only be valid for 72 hours. Ensuring the code is valid for 3 days protects
the driver's privacy and puts drivers in control on which commercial companies they choose
to share their driving licence details with.
10:49
Comment From Cyp
Is the public View Driving Licence going to be put behind the Government Gateway?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Cyp, our intention is that we will link view driving licence service to the Governments ID
verification service (Verify). The timescale of this is still TBC.
10:49
Comment From Alex
With regard to your answer below stating that endorsements are visible for a maximum of five
years, are DR10 offences not valid for eleven years along with other more serious codes?
Rob Toft:
Thanks Alex,
Some endorsements are indeed valid for up to 11 years and are available to the courts etc
as necessary for the administration of justice. In line with legislative requirements,
endorsements will only be displayed to other third parties for up to 5 years.
Page 7
10:50
Comment From Catherine
If a driver tries to access the service and their details given do not give them access what
should they do?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Catherine, we have a telephone helpline service available for those who are unable to
generate a code and for 3rd parties who have a valid code but are unable to redeem it 0300 083 0013.
10:50
Comment From Alun Thomas
Here at Citizens Advice we have concern about how vulnerable people (older people in
particular) will get to know and cope with these changes.
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Alun, we have considered assisted digital requirements and have a telephony service
that's available for those who may not have access or be comfortable using an online
service.
10:52
Comment From Are the DVLA still currently issuing paper counterparts for change of
address - we have been advised by a customer that they have not been provided with the
counterpart following a recent change of address.
Are the DVLA still currently issuing paper counterparts for change of address - we have been
advised by a customer that they have not been provided with the counterpart following a recent
change of address.
Rob Toft:
DVLA will continue to issue paper counterparts until 8 June and all licences issued up to that
time should have been accompanied by a counterpart. Queries about documents received
from DVLA can be raised via the normal channels - details are on gov.uk. Thanks
10:52
Page 8
Comment From Andrew Bushell
"Dudley Ashford: Hi Alun, we have considered assisted digital requirements and have a
telephony service that's available for those who may not have access or be comfortable using
an online service."
10:53
Comment From Paul
Will there be a separate facility to enable CG fleet managers to check staff licences through a
batch process?
Hugh Evans:
We are introducing a new service called Access Driver Data (ADD) which will provide for
bulk enquiries. This is not a batch service but will allow large volumes of enquiries to be
input.
10:55
Comment From adam
hello, with the abolition of counterpart driving licenses, will there still be a requirement for
somebody to produce their license for endorsement if they receive a fixed penalty?
Rob Toft:
Thanks Adam, from 8 June there will no longer be a requirement to surrender the
counterpart for endorsement, but the photocard part of the licence will need to be provided.
Those with older, paper only, licences will need to submit that document, of course.
10:55
Comment From Andrew Bushell
Good morning. I work in a Local Government Licensing Department, dealing with taxi and
private hire driver licences. If a licence has been returned to DVLA for a change of address, how
soon will the online data be updated?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Andrew, the online service is typically updated within 24hrs of the licence being issued.
10:57
Page 9
Comment From Guest
Good morning, it was previously stated that the ADD pricing model would be made avaialble this
month. Are you now in position to share this?
Hugh Evans:
We have written to existing customers of our electronic driver entitlement checking service
requesting details of their proposed usage of the new ADD service and the volumes of
transactions. This information will help us determine the charging model. Please send us an
email for further [email protected]
10:58
Comment From Roisin Miles, Leasedrive
The counterpart remains a legal document until the 8th June. After this date Garages/Dealers
who need to check driving licence information on customers can use our Share Driving Licence
service. The service is available 24/7 on mobile and tablet devices...................so we will need
our client's employees to get a code before a test drive or courtesy car??
Rob Toft:
Thanks Roisin, This would be a decision for the individual business to make. If a check of
the driving entitlement and any endorsements is considered necessary to supplement a
visual check of the driving licence, the driver would need to use the Share Driving Licence
facility to generate a code and allow that check to take place.
10:58
Comment From Tracy
how do you obtain a code
DVLA admin:
Hi Tracy - you can obtain a code here: www.gov.uk/view-driving-lic...
11:00
Comment From Guest
drivers who cannot go online can call Contact Centre to generate a share code , can this be
done while in a rental location ?
DVLA admin:
Hi, Yes. Customers can call the number from any location to generate a one time access
code.
Page 10
11:00
Comment From Simon Denman
Is the abolition on June 8th still going ahead in view of the fact that the Share Driving Licence
system has not been rolled out and hire companies are still, 17 odd days away, not able now to
advise customers of URLs etc of the new procedure. If this were to go ahead on the 8th this
would give no time to revise rental agreement text to reflect the new system once in place.
Hugh Evans:
Hi Simon, yes abolition of the counterpart is going ahead on 8 June as planned. The URLs
needs to access the service are:
View Driving Licence - www.gov.uk/view-driving-lic... (for public to create code)
Share Driving Licence - www.gov.uk/check-driving-li... (for 3rd parties to redeem code)
The Share Driving Licence public beta has been live since 19 May.
11:00
Comment From Arek
Question to Rob. You did mention that endorsements on driving licence will be visible for 5
years on this new system, however Drink Driving convictions remain on your driving licence for
11 years - will this be the same in the new system? Or will they be also removed after 5 years.
Rob Toft:
Thanks Arek, there is no change to the current length of time that endorsements remain on
DVLA records. However endorsements will only be visible to most third parties for a
maximum of five years.
11:02
Comment From Steve
Why would vulnerable customers be penalised into using a premium rate number if they cannot
access the free web service?
DVLA admin:
Hi Steve, Assistance will be available for those who need it through a local rate line.
Page 11
11:02
Comment From Roisin Miles, Leasedrive
What telephone number can a driver call from abroad to get a code for a hire car company? As
the code only lasts 72 hours they may be away for weeks and therefore will need a valid code
for the hire company to check the licence whilst abroad?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Roisin, The driver can access the service to generate a code anywhere in the world
(www.gov.uk/view-driving-lic...). Alternatively, a driver can call our helpline on 03000830013.
11:04
Comment From Roisin Miles, Leasedrive
What is the ADD service you refer to?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Roisin, this is the Access Driver Data Service that will large volume of enquiries to be
made by authorised enquirers with the consent of the driver. The is a chargeable service.
11:05
Comment From Martyn
I recently tried the view my driving licence facility and my record was not found. I turned to the
helpline tel number but it is not clear if call charges are incurred using this. Are they?
DVLA admin:
Hi Martyn. the 0300 number is charged at local rate.www.gov.uk/call-charges
11:06
Page 12
Comment From What additional measures are being taken to make the customer aware
of this change, as currently we have seen very little promotion?
What additional measures are being taken to make the customer aware of this change, as
currently we have seen very little promotion?
Hugh Evans:
There have been wide spread coverage in the national/regional media on this change. We
have also been working with the hire industry and trade associations to ensure they and their
members are aware of the changes. We have worked in partnership to ensure customers
have information at the point where they need to know. Check out our GOV.UK campaign
page (www.gov.uk/dvla/nomorecount...) for more details.
11:07
Comment From Guest
As employees could have Licences issued in other EU countries are there any discussions
taking place with member states to integrate this system and facilitate these licences to also be
checked for endorsements?
Rob Toft:
Thanks,
We're not aware of a similar set of services allowing checks of driving licences issued by
other EU States.
11:08
Comment From Andrew Bushell
In a reply from a previous post a suggestion was to use the ADD service which is going live on 1
June. Is this similar to, or a replacement for the Driver Licence Check (DLC) service? I ask
because we are currently considering signing up to the DLC service.
Hugh Evans:
No, the ADD service will replace the electronic driver entitlement checking service. The DLC
service you refer to is a separate service and we would be happy to help with your enquiry please email it [email protected]
11:08
Comment From Alun Thomas
Why should anyone have to pay a premium rate if they don't have internet access? Is the
number a premium rate and it is possible to call the number from abroad?
DVLA admin:
Hi Alun. The 0300 number is charged at local rate.www.gov.uk/call-charges link for DVLA
call charges.
Page 13
11:09
Comment From David McKay
What volume of checks do you think a company would need to make per year to make the ADD
service worthwhile?
Hugh Evans:
Hi David, this would be a decision for the company itself.
11:09
Comment From Keith Robertson
Hi, we are a large bus company and check high volumes of driving licences each week. How
can we do this going forward and how soon will new provisional categories be added for us to
view?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Keith, if you currently rely on the counterpart to carry out these checks then you will
simply ask the driver to provide a licence check code from the View Driving Licence service.
You can then redeem the code to get an up-to-date view of the drivers record. This takes
very little time to complete and provides the benefit of more up to date information than is
potentially supplied on the counterpart
11:09
Comment From Steve
So does this mean that a drink driving conviction will not be visible after 5 years even if still
current for another 6?
DVLA admin:
Thanks Steve, there is no change to the current length of time that endorsements remain on
DVLA records. However endorsements will only be visible to most third parties for a
maximum of five years
11:11
Page 14
Comment From Joe
The licence I checked via share my licence did not have any offences so shows a O. If the driver
had offences would the offence codes be displayed?
DVLA admin:
Hi Joe. All offences available to share will be shown on the check someone's licence
service.
11:12
Comment From Scott
Following on from Mark's question, is there a reason why the SDL doesn't show (1) date of birth,
(2) address? Having this information in one place on the portal would reduce our need as a car
club to also collect a licence card copy during our online sign up process. If no plans to include
this information, could you please explain the rationale for not doing so, so I can answer
questions internally if asked. Many thanks
Hugh Evans:
Hi Scott, the address and DOB are on the photocard licence. We are trying the strike the
balance by only providing the data that is required to replace the counterpart.
11:12
Comment From Will drivers using EU vocational licences still need to obtain a EU/EEA
counterpart?
Comment from Geoff Stamp, We have some drivers that are still using their EU issued driving
licences with vocational entitlement. In the past these drivers have been required to hold a
EU/EEA counterpart issued by DVLA. I believe I was told by a member of DVLA staff that this
would continue as before. Is this correct?
Rob Toft:
Thanks, you are correct - drivers will still be required to register their EC/EEA vocational
driving entitlement but will not be issued with a counterpart. Instead a Confirmation of
Registration document will be issued, which can be presented to prospective employers.
11:12
Page 15
Comment From Roisin Miles, Leasedrive
For clarity, does 0300 083 0013 work from abroad or would we need a +44 dialling code? We
don't want to communicate this to those with no internet access and then they find the tel no
does not work from abroad?
DVLA admin:
Hi Roisin. The 0300 number will work from abroad. it will need to be prefixed with the dialing
code and costs will be based on operator charges.
11:13
Comment From Heather Warboys
With the abolition of the counterpart how will drivers with a Non GB licences have any
convictions recorded whilst driving in the UK and how will we be aware
Rob Toft:
Thanks Heather - the process will not change as a result of abolition of the counterpart.
Convictions applying to non-GB licence holders will be recorded by DVLA.
11:14
Comment From Matt Doughty
Good morning, expanding on a previous question asked earlier, if we (as an employer) cannot
apply for codes to view our employees records, is there any reason why if a driver was present
with a responsible person that we couldn't log in to their record with their Name, Address and
NINO
Rob Toft:
View Driving Licence Service was designed for drivers to check their own records only. This
should not be used by third parties to access driver information.
11:15
Page 16
Comment From KP
Sorry need to stop using acronyms! CDD = customer due diligence, checking there ID etc prior
to account openings. As a business we request photocard and paper counterpart, would be
good to be able to check the information required from both in one place, cutting down
significantly on waiting times for docs etc to be sent in by the customer.
Hugh Evans:
Hi KP, thanks for the clarification :)...
The security around various ID documents would each need to be considered in their own
right. We are only focusing on the abolition of the counterpart and providing a secure service
which allows the driver to share their driver record with 3rd parties.
11:16
Comment From Alexander
Good Morning, I work for an insurance company and we're keen to get more information on
ADD and how it can be used. We trialled SDL and found it didn't really meet our needs. With
June 8th getting ever closer are you able to provide any further details on ADD and what the
process and costs are for being signed up?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Alexander, please email your request [email protected] and we'll
be more than happy to provide more details.
11:18
Comment From Martyn
I have recently been told that a verification check will be introduced into the system later this
year and that you are expecting it to create 20% drop out meaning 20% of drivers seeking to
share their licence with for example local authority licensing depts. wont be able to do this. can
you comment? Also what is the ADD system?
Dudley Ashford:
We will run our existing authentication process in parallel with the introduction of the Verify
authentication service. Customers will have the choice as to which authentication route they
use. There are no immediate plans to migrate fully to Verify therefore customers should be
able access the Share Driving Licence service with a high authentication rate. The ADD
service is a real-time API through a business-to-business link.
11:19
Page 17
Comment From Jonathan Lyon
I work for a large Insurance Broker, and we frequently get asked by Insurers for proof of
convictions etc. If we ask the customer for a code, are we allowed to pass that directly to the
Insurer without using it ourselves?
Rob Toft:
The responsibility for providing an access code rests with the individual driver. If you were
planning to pass the code on, it would have to be on the clear understanding that the driver
was fully aware that this was going to happen.
11:19
Comment From Andrew Bushell
"Dudley Ashford: Hi Alun, we have considered assisted digital requirements and have a
telephony service that's available for those who may not have access or be comfortable using
an online service." Could you please provide the telephone number for this service? Thanks
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Andrew, the number is 0300 083 0013
11:21
Comment From Gill Wood
Are there no plans for employers to be able to register with the DVLA to be able to obtain the
information they require for their employees? We currently have far more sensitive information
about staff in their personnel files and are registered under the Data Protection Act.
Hugh Evans:
Hi Gill, we are only focusing on abolition of the counterpart and providing alternative secure
service for the driver to share their driver record with 3rd parties. We also provide an Access
Driver Data service which allows authorised enquiriers to enquire on large volumes with the
drivers consent. There are also already a range of 3rd party service providers who provide
additional services for those employers who wish to check licensing status of their drivers.
11:22
Page 18
Comment From Scott
Two questions on the phone number please. (1) Is this separate from the number that we call to
initiate a 3-way call between us, the DVLA and the licence holder, and (2) Is there a charge for
using this number: 0300 083 0013? thanks
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Scott, yes it is a separate number from our premium rate service (3 way call). The 0300
number is charged at local rate.
11:23
DVLA admin:
Hi. You can find more information on the sharing of endorsements in one of our previous
blogs here:
https://insidedvla.blog.gov...
11:24
Comment From Syed
We have seen some unnecessary criticism in media about Car Hire in EU, during the upcoming
holiday period. Are you going to do a media campaign to make the customers fully aware and
allay some of these concerns ?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Syed, we are working closely with the hire industry and trade associations to ensure the
public are aware of the changes. At the point where the public hire a vehicle they are
provided with the necessary details about the changes and the processes they need to
follow.
11:26
Comment From Laura M
For licences pre 1998, where a new conviction occurs, will the person be promting to change
their licence for a plastic and 'online' version, or will the conviction be added to their old paper
licence and returned to them?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Laura. Drivers with the old style paper licence (pre-1998) will not be required to exchange
for a photocard. However, from 8th June any new penalties and convictions will no longer be
annotated on the old paper licence. All drivers who need to prove their driving record can
use the Share Driving Licence service.
Page 19
11:27
Comment From fiona
following from Alun Thomas - The telephony service has a complex IVR which is challenging for
vulnerable drivers to navigate. What protections will the DVLA be putting in place to stop these
groups being disadvantaged by these changes?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Fiona, we are sensitive to such issues and we have done everything to ensure the
customer journey is as streamlined and painless as possible.
11:27
Comment From MIke
I have spoken over the last 6 months to many company employees who have to check the
licences of staff and on many occaisions they say they'll just check without the explicit consent
as they'll have all the driver details required to logon to hand via the existing HR data on
employees - this is obviously contray to the fact It is made clear in the DVLA’s privacy policy that
unlawfully obtaining or accessing personal data is a criminal offence under section 55 of the
Data Protection Act 1998 (as amended). As a data controller, registered with the Information
Commissioners Office, the Department for Transport will investigate any abuse of the View
Driving Record or Share Driver Record services. How will this be policed?
Rob Toft:
Thanks Mike, where DVLA becomes aware of this kind of misuse we will look into the issue
as appropriate and in line with the information provided.
11:29
Comment From Syed
When do you expect to have the ADD service live by ? Is this something only open to Car Hire
companies or can others like insurers or employers benefit from too ?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Syed, the ADD service will be live from June and for more information please email us
at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!
Page 20
11:29
Comment From Joe
Hi we are a transport company and need to check licences on a regular basis. I have tested out
the share my licence page and can only see the number of offences and not any codes - as our
insurers are particular cautious with DD and DR Type offences is it possible to expand the
offences view
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Joe, the offence codes are displayed in the Share Driving Licence service, including DD
and DR.
11:30
Comment From Mark
Hi again, its Mark. Regarding the 'My Licence' portal are there plans to create the option for the
'client' to download their details into a PDF format that they are then able to print or Email? This
would be very useful and give the 'client' options / more flexibility. They can choose this way to
provide information to a third party or choose the route of obtaining a check code to pass on to
the third party. They will have the choice. Thanks
DVLA admin:
Hi Mark. This is in place through View Driving Licence service. A customer can download a
PDF and choose to share as they wish,
11:30
Comment From Frances
With regards to the Call Centre, will this be manned 24/7?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Frances, the telephone helpline will be available 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am
to 2pm on Saturdays. Of course, the FREE online service will be available 24/7.
Page 21
11:31
Comment From Arek
I work for a company where we carry out significant numbers of interviews/assessments. If a
candidate coming for a interview provides us with a written consents form in their presence to
carry out the licence check will we be able to carry out that check in their behalf rather than
obtaining the code?
Rob Toft:
Thansk Arek, no.
The VDL service is for drivers to check their own details. Check Driving Licence - using the
code generated by the driver - is the service for the scenario you're describing.
11:33
Comment From Steve
What additional measures are being taken to make the customer aware of this change, as
currently we have seen very little promotion? I am concerned as an insurer that the onus is
being placed on us to explain the change to the customer.
Hugh Evans:
Hi Steve, we are working closely with the hire industry and trade associations to ensure the
public are aware of the changes. At the point where the public hire a vehicle they are
provided with the necessary details about the changes and the processes they need to
follow. We have developed a communications toolkit - via our blog for more details:
https://insidedvla.blog.gov...
If you need further information please get in touch by
emailing:[email protected]
11:34
Page 22
DVLA admin:
Hi, there are a large number of questions regarding the ADD service. If you could email
your questions [email protected] we will be happy to respond to
individual circumstances.
11:35
Comment From Roisin Miles, Leasedrive
Will the DVLA look to modernise their service to allow e-consent for licence checking via the
companies who offer licence checking services? The mandate with a signature is very old hat
and administrative?
Rob Toft:
Thanks Roisin, there are no current plans for DVLA to develop its own e-consent processes,
however we are aware of a number of intermediary service providers working on this type of
service.
11:36
Comment From Matt Doughty
As an employer of thousands of drivers, how can I continue to audit licences at monthly intervals
to see penalty points, entitlements etc without asking the driver to request a code?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Matt - you may be interested in our ADD (Access to Driver Data) service that will allow
you to check driving licence information with the drivers permission. Please e-mail us
at [email protected] more information
11:36
Comment From Paul
Are you going to make a transcript of this webchat available to download?
DVLA admin:
A full transcript will be made available at the end of the webchat.
11:36
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Comment From Tony Ghirra
Are there any plans in the future to store penalties and endorsements on a chip on the licence,
and maybe to integrate the licence, digital tachograph and driver qualification cards?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Tony, there are no plans at the moment to introduce a chip on the driving licence although
the European 3rd Directive does allow for this.
11:37
Comment From Joe
Will the 3 year mandates via the D796 still remain operational if a company wishes to use that
facility post 08.06.15
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Joe, yes - our postal checking service will continue after 8th June.
11:40
Comment From Angela
Will the telephone helplines to request an access code be manned 24/7?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Angela, our Contact Centre opening hours will continue to be Monday to Friday, 8am to
7pm
Saturday, 8am to 2pm
11:40
Comment From If drivers to not receive any convictions or penalties from the 8th June,
will their old paper licence still be accepted if it matches the Photocard?
If drivers to not receive any convictions or penalties from the 8th June, will their old paper
licence still be accepted if it matches the Photocard?
Rob Toft:
Thanks, the old style paper only licence will remain valid beyond 8 June. Drivers will not be
able to hold both an old style paper licence and a photocard - Hope this answers the
question but if not, please clarify. Thanks.
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11:41
Comment From Frances
In relation to the call centre not being manned 24/7, what happens when someone arrives in the
evening to hire a vehicle in another country with no access to online service?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Frances, as you suggest there will obviously be some circumstances which may cause
some issues - that is why we are advising drivers to plan ahead and obtain a necessary
code and PDF in good time before they hire a vehicle.
11:44
Comment From Roisin Miles, Leasedrive
If a breakdown service such as AA and RAC provide a relief vehicle (hire car) to a driver under
their agreement with one of our clients, how will they potentially in the middle of the night in a
distress situation check a driver licence?
Rob Toft:
Thanks Roisin, We would imagine similar difficulties arise now where the driver does not
have their driving licence and counterpart with them. Under the new system of course,
should it be considered essential, a check will be available digitally, even in the middle of the
night.
11:44
Comment From DVA records were recently moved to DVLA when will these Nortern
Ireland licences be available to view and why not now?
DVA records were recently moved to DVLA when will these Nortern Ireland licences be
available to view and why not now?Logout
Hugh Evans:
Driver Licensing is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland and is the responsibility for DVA.
We are not aware of any similar plans that they have but they can provide more advice on
this for you.
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11:48
Comment From KP
Hugh Evans: "Hi Frances, as you suggest there will obviously be some circumstances which
may cause some issues - that is why we are advising drivers to plan ahead and obtain a
necessary code and PDF in good time before they hire a vehicle." There's a slight problem there
if you're not picking up the vehicle until part way through the holiday and won't be able to access
the internet prior.
Hugh Evans:
Hi KP, there is also the telephone helpline for those who are unable to access the online
service. This is not a premium rate line.
11:49
Comment From Andrew Bushell
Will the Driver Licence Check service still exist in tandem with ADD? My understanding now is
that DLC can be used for individual checks, whereas ADD is for bulk checks?
Dudley Ashford:
DLC will continue to run as is.The ADD service is designed to cope with a high volume of
individual enquiries, and is not batch service.
11:49
Comment From Alex
I might be missing something but I can see no reason why companies cannot use the View
Driving Licence service with an employees consent. The employee will have provided all the
necessary login information and the service gives out no more information than is available on
Share My Licence. Therefore I doubt a firm could be prosecuted under data protection rules.
Call me cynical but I suspect it might be to maintain a revenue stream from ADD. Otherwise
perhaps DVLA simply does not appreciate the problem firms face from drivers who lose their
licence or get points and do not tell the employer.
Rob Toft:
Thanks, Alex - last things first - DVLA does appreciate the issue of employers etc. needing
to have the most current view of a driver's status. The digital services we have developed
will improve on the information available via the counterpart, which can become out of date
very quickly. On your first point, I can only repeat that VDL is for use by the individual driver.
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11:51
Comment From Arek
One more question - in current system if someone applies for a provisional category (for
example D) they must send back relevant paperwork with photocard and counterpart to their
licence. In the new system there will be no counterpart, therefore can you please advise how
this person will be notified that they hold now a provisional entitlement to drive a bus, as the
photocard does not show provisional entitlements.
DVLA admin:
Hi Arek. The View Driving Licence and Share Driving Licence service will show both full and
provisional driving licence entitlements.
11:53
Comment From Guest
I agree with some of the previous concerns that have been raised around public awareness. It's
all well and good going through the hire industry and trade associations but what about the
general public? Will there be anything to make people aware on a wider reaching basis? If not I
can see it being down to those who use the counterpart to validate staff and customer details to
carry the can in explaining the abolishion of the counterpart to the general public and those who
query...
Hugh Evans:
We are targeting members of the public through our owned channels. Everyone who
receives a licence now gets a leaflet explaining the new changes - this started in February
and will continue. We are also writing to all vocational drivers to let them know how the
changes will affect them as professional drivers. our campaign page
on GOV.UK(www.gov.uk/dvla/nomorecount...) has all the info for drivers. As you will have
seen in the media they have picked up on a number of our communications that provide
advice and info on the changes.
11:54
Comment From Martyn
The answer given to heather did not address the part of her question which asked (for non GB
licence holders) who will we be made aware. If DVLA continues to record convictions how will a
local authority taxi licensing service see them for a non GB licence holder?
Rob Toft:
Thanks Martyn, This is potentially too long an answer for this session, sorry. If you email [email protected] we'll get a full reply to you. Thanks
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11:55
Comment From Guest
A number of answers from yourselves also seem to be coming back pointing to ADD as being
the solution... It would have been good to get more information about ADD in this webchat...
Hugh Evans:
We've asked for those needing more information about the ADD service to email us their
questions. We are planning on issuing a blog to stakeholders and commercial customers on
ADD in the next couple of days. Keep an eye out!
11:56
Comment From fiona
following on from Frances - the customer will be unable to use this service when they are
travelling more than 72 hours in advance of the car hire. It is not possible to plan ahead. Will the
DVLA consider further extension of timescales at driver request? e.g. allow driver to determine
code validity period 72 hours, 1 week or 1 month to ensure they can overcome these
challenges?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Fiona, we have extended the validity period from 24 hours to 72 hours to the customer
needs. We believe this period strikes the balance, protecting the drivers privacy and putting
the driver in control of which commercial companies they choose to share the driving licence
details with...
11:58
Comment From Matt Doughty
Can a driver log in to VDL and email a PDF copy of their licence information to an email
recipient? If so, will the email copy be date and time stamped as to when that information was
live?
DVLA admin:
Hi Matt,
If a driver wishes to share a PDF copy of their licence by email then they can. This will have
a created date and time stamp on the PDF.
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11:59
Comment From Chris
What advice do you give someone going abroad on holiday with no internet access/roaming
data and planning to hire a car more than 72 hours after they leave the UK?
Dudley Ashford:
Hi Chris, you should check with the vehicle hire company before you depart to confirm what
information they require. We understand that most foreign rental companies will accept the
photocard alone. However, the service is accessible from abroad online or by phone.
12:00
Comment From Matt Doughty
For Rob Toft - in response to your reply 'View Driving Licence Service was designed for drivers
to check their own records only. This should not be used by third parties to access driver
information' - Whilst I understand that the VDSL may have been designed for individuals to
check their own record, why couldn't that individual present themselves to their employer and
log in to their own record in the presence of their line manager to view their licence details?
Rob Toft:
View Driving Licence is for individual drivers to check their details and, through Share driver
record, to generate a code for the details to be checked by employers etc... Where the
organisation checking the record uses Check Driving Licence, it can use the audit trail
created by the generation of a share code and hard copy prints to more easily demonstrate
that the check has been done, should a problem occur later involving the driver. It is
therefore in your own interests to use the appropriate service.
12:00
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Comment From Jonathan
I am an ADI and currently it takes me a matter of seconds and cost me nothing to check a new
pupils validity to start driving lessons. It is now going to be far more complicated and is adding
cost to my business to do so. I have been trailing the new system with potential customers, most
of whom have no idea what their Nat Ins number is to provide me with a means of checking their
licence. How is this new system right or fair?
Hugh Evans:
Hi Jonathan, we realise that some service providers will need to adapt their processes and
there will be an element of education needed for what the customer needs to provide.
However, we believe that by providing direct access to up to date information will bring
added safeguards.
12:00
DVLA admin:
Thanks for your questions and interest today. We'll be closing this webchat soon. We’ll
be hosting a webchat for the public on 4 June 2015, further information will be added
to GOV.UK shortly.
12:01
DVLA admin:
Please keep an eye out for our blogs where we will respond to any unanswered
questions.
12:02
DVLA admin:
If you've sent an email [email protected] we'll get a full reply to
you soon.
12:03
DVLA admin:
A transcript of this event will be available at:http://assets.dft.gov.uk/we...
You can help support the abolition of the counterpart campaign by downloading our
communications toolkit from: http://dvla.dft.gov.uk/dvla...
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