The DVLA has announced that the driving licence counterpart will be abolished on 8 June, 2015. The abolition was to have taken place in January.
The delay in introducing the new system follows concerns by freight operators and car hire companies that an adequate system for checking drivers’ entitlement to drive was not yet in place. DVLA is developing new digital enquiry services that will allow organisations and businesses to view information they can currently see on the driving licence counterpart.
These new services will be offered in addition to the existing services but are designed for those who have a business need for real-time access to the information, and may not wish to call DVLA or be in a position to use an intermediary.
Driving licence information via these services will only be made available to those who have a right to see it, and with the knowledge of the driving licence holder.
DVLA stakeholders and commercial customers can keep up to date with developments of these services by following the DVLA blog at GOV.UK.