The View Driving Licence service went live in May prior to the abolition of the paper licence counterpart on 8 June but the online system struck with issues on the day that the paper licence was actually scrapped. There were also concerns that the three-day time period for checking licence codes was too short. Now the check code generated for motorists to share their driving licence details will be valid for 21 days.
"Common sense has prevailed and DVLA has listened to what we have been saying about the new online system not being fit for purpose," commented Ian Gallagher, FTA’s lead on DVLA. "Allowing employers longer to use the code before it expires is a sensible move. However we still believe more changes are needed to make the system efficient and effective, such as the ability to check non-GB licences online instead of via an office hours-only phone line. Bulk checking of licences is also an issue that needs to be reviewed.”
FTA entered into prolonged dialogue with DVLA prior to the system being launched in the hope that employers would easily be able to check licences in bulk. Many are now using third-party services at a cost because of the added time and resources required to check each one separately online. Ian Gallagher said: “The scheme was part of the Government’s Red Tape Challenge to reduce legislative burden, but for employers with hundreds or even thousands of drivers it’s a cumbersome and time-consuming process which does the exact opposite.”