Driving Licence Changes

**MarillionFan** · 27 April 2015, 13:25

Originally posted by SimonMac View Post

I knew from June the paper counter part was being phased out, but didn't know about this...

Motorists warned about problems hiring cars abroad - BBC News

I haven't been asked for the paper bit when hiring a car abroad for at least 5 years.

**original PM** · 27 April 2015, 13:29

hmm I have just returned from the states and as I checked in to pick up my car online and entered my driving licence number I did not even need to show them my licence - just the printed off sheet I got when I checked in...

had I been in an accident however not sure whether I would have needed the paper counterpart then...

which may be where the problems begin!

**NotAllThere** · 27 April 2015, 13:35

Seems weird. My Swiss driving licence follows the normal European format, with no "paper counterpart", and hence no list of any violations. In fact, that information is kept entirely separate - there's no point system, just a record kept of any serious violations you perpetrate (marginal speeding isn't recorded). Why should UK drivers be singled out and have to provide a "code"?

**shaunbhoy** · 27 April 2015, 13:44

Originally posted by NotAllThere View Post

Why should UK drivers be singled out and have to provide a "code"?

Because before long there will be a cost involved with obtaining said code??

**VectraMan** · 27 April 2015, 13:52

I was done for speeding in France the other week.

I was always told you need to carry both parts of your licence, as well as the car registration and insurance whilst abroad, though I'm sure I've forgotten on more than one trip. This trip I did remember, but all he asked for was the car registration and my card licence and wasn't interested in the rest.

**TykeMerc** · 27 April 2015, 13:53

Originally posted by NotAllThere View Post

Seems weird. My Swiss driving licence follows the normal European format, with no "paper counterpart", and hence no list of any violations. In fact, that information is kept entirely separate - there's no point system, just a record kept of any serious violations you perpetrate (marginal speeding isn't recorded). Why should UK drivers be singled out and have to provide a "code"?

No idea and quite possibly the car hire companies in Europe scratch their heads when they hear about this stuff. You would have thought that there would be a Europe wide approach since they issue a standardised plastic bit, clearly that's too sensible.

I admit that I didn't know about the scrapping of the paper counterpart, I guess I missed it being in the news.

**original PM** · 27 April 2015, 13:53

Originally posted by VectraMan View Post

I was done for speeding in France the other week.

I was always told you need to carry both parts of your licence, as well as the car registration and insurance whilst abroad, though I'm sure I've forgotten on more than one trip. This trip I did remember, but all he asked for was the car registration and my card licence and wasn't interested in the rest.

And 100 euros in a brown paper bag surely?

**Alias** · 27 April 2015, 13:58

I only have a paper licence

**VectraMan** · 27 April 2015, 13:59

Originally posted by original PM View Post

And 100 euros in a brown paper bag surely?

90 Euros, and it was lucky I had that as staying with family means I don't bother taking much cash.

What pissed me off the most about it was that he spoke to me in English.

Driving Licence Changes