What should be a time of peace and relaxation could turn into a stressful experience this year, as many Brits face obstacles when trying to hire a car abroad as a result of the DVLA's changes.
As we covered in a previous article, the DVLA plan to abolish the paper driving licence on the 8th June. The move is a step forward in the DVLA’s plans for a ‘digital agenda’.
We covered how this will affect you back in November, but what wasn’t clear was how these changes would affect customers hiring a car abroad.
You will no longer be required to present the paper part of your driving licence for anything, as everything will be done electronically. This includes logging of penalty points.
If you only have a paper licence, you need to go to the government website to request a photo card licence.
The change means there will now be an online system, which will improve car hire in the UK, by providing hire companies such as Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental, with real time confirmation of customers’ details. Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental operations manager, Margaret Speirs commented on the system in December 2014:
‘The creation of a sophisticated digital enquiry system is very much positive news for the rental industry.
‘Being able to check customers’ up-to-date details at the touch of a button will help us provide a more flexible and seamless service.’
While the transition might be smooth at home, concerns have been raised about how the licence changes will affect UK drivers abroad.
Where the problems arise, is when UK licence holders try to hire a car overseas. Many holidaymakers have complained that they were not warned of the changes when booking car hire for their holiday.
The changes to the system have become a concern for many, who worry that they have not been well communicated to car hire firms abroad, and will still be demanding the paper part of the driving licence to check for endorsements or bans.
Many car hire companies abroad are simply unaware of the changes, and have not amended their terms and conditions to facilitate the new digital process.
Prior to hiring a car abroad, you will now be required to obtain a special passcode online from the DVLA website.
The passcode, however, will only be valid for 72 hours – not ideal for holidaymakers wishing to hire a car in their second week of travel.
If the passcode has expired, the foreign car hire firm will call the DVLA, at a premium rate of £3 a minute, to confirm the driver’s details.
It has been advised that drivers should print out a PDF copy of their licence details before flying.
