Abolishion of driving licence counterpart 01/01/2015

[ROG]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driv ... ce-changes

What to do with your paper counterpart from January 2015

If you don’t think you’ll need it, then you may destroy it. You should not destroy the counterpart before 1 January 2015.

[ROG]

How will tutors/observers check the points?

[Zebedee]

Yes, why would an observer/tutor need to check how many points an associate has? As long as the associate has a valid driving licence, the number of points isn't the business of an observer. It's only the business of the insurance company and authorities like the police.

[MGF]

The IAM or RoSPA may have a legitimate interest in points but they can probably access this information, with the consent of the driver, from DVLA.

[triquet]

What will happen when you hire a car?

[MGF]

Hire co. contacts DVLA for driver record.

[TheInsanity1234]

Said this to my parents.

Their first response was "about time!"

Apparently they're fed up with the fragility of the paper counterpart, which has to be protected from absolutely everything, for fear of it getting torn, damaged, etc. But as soon as you have to take it out to present to a policeman, it gets damaged and torn anyway.

[Mr Cholmondeley-Warner]

Hehe mine (which is my ONLY licence) resembles a very old and well-used handkerchief that's been mended with Sellotape, which has fallen off, and been replaced with more Sellotape ...

[triquet]

Hehe mine (which is my ONLY licence) resembles a very old and well-used handkerchief that's been mended with Sellotape, which has fallen off, and been replaced with more Sellotape ...

I had one of those until last year when anno domini forced me to have one of those plasticy things as well ...

[fungus]

Hehe mine (which is my ONLY licence) resembles a very old and well-used handkerchief that's been mended with Sellotape, which has fallen off, and been replaced with more Sellotape ...

Likewise.

[sussex2]

Said this to my parents.

Their first response was "about time!"

Apparently they're fed up with the fragility of the paper counterpart, which has to be protected from absolutely everything, for fear of it getting torn, damaged, etc. But as soon as you have to take it out to present to a policeman, it gets damaged and torn anyway.

It is only the licence that should be given to any policeman. To hand over the counterpart could influence his judgement and make any prosecution invalid.

[michael769]

I would imagine that some staff will continue to insist on the counterpart for a few months until their employers finally get round to briefing them about the change. So I'd advise hanging onto it for a wee while - just in case.

[TheInsanity1234]

Said this to my parents.

Their first response was "about time!"

Apparently they're fed up with the fragility of the paper counterpart, which has to be protected from absolutely everything, for fear of it getting torn, damaged, etc. But as soon as you have to take it out to present to a policeman, it gets damaged and torn anyway.

It is only the licence that should be given to any policeman. To hand over the counterpart could influence his judgement and make any prosecution invalid.

I don't believe that's true. A police officer can only offer a fixed-penalty at the side of the road if the 3 points (or whatever) would not put you over the 12 point limit. If it would or if they don't know then they must refer for summons in the normal way.

Doubtless someone will correct me if that is wrong.

Well, I genuinely have no idea whether they've actually taken it out of the plastic thing (though my dad would've had to take it out to send to the rozzers for his 3 points), whatever. I meant to just say it seems to enjoy disintegrating for no apparent reason.

[waremark]

What are your parents doing that they have to produce the counterpart? Mine has never left my wallet since I first got it several years ago.

I have had to show mine at track days. I always take it when hiring but don't generally get asked for it.

[TripleS]

Said this to my parents.

Their first response was "about time!"

Apparently they're fed up with the fragility of the paper counterpart, which has to be protected from absolutely everything, for fear of it getting torn, damaged, etc. But as soon as you have to take it out to present to a policeman, it gets damaged and torn anyway.

What are your parents doing that they have to produce the counterpart? Mine has never left my wallet since I first got it several years ago.

I obtained a plastic card driving licence a few years ago on reaching the age of 70 (mind you, the photograph shows a most unsavoury looking character!), and it lives in the filing cabinet, together with the paper bit, so they remain clean and tidy, and I know where to find them if necessary.

Best wishes all,
Dave.