It’s annoying to be asked for details of your driving history – but all the information you need is easily available online.
You may be required to provide information about your driving history.
Car insurers use your record behind the wheel to help decide the right premium to charge.
Vehicle hiring companies may also ask you to prove what you can legally drive – and whether you have any penalty points.
Even your employer may need this information, depending on your job and whether you’ll be required to drive company vehicles.
The good news is that you can access this online and it should only take a few minutes.
How to view your driving licence information
You can view – and share – your driving licence information via GOV.UK.
This service allows you to see what vehicles you’re allowed to drive and whether you have any penalty points or disqualifications.
To access the service, you will need:
Your driving licence number
Your National Insurance number
The postcode on your driving licence.
Once you input this information, your driving history appears on screen with all the details about you that are held on record.
This data is split into four sections.
The first covers your date of birth, gender, address, driving licence status (whether it’s a full licence) and the date it’s valid from and when it expires.
Your driving licence number – and the issue number – are also shown.
Section two covers which vehicles you’re allowed to drive.
The third covers penalties and disqualifications, while the fourth section enables you to get a licence check code if you need to share this information with other people.
Go to the GOV.UK website to start checking your licence now.
Other ways to check your driving licence
Sometimes there may be a problem with checking your licence in the usual way. In these situations, you need to use GOV.UK/Verify
This is a secure way to prove who you are online. There are two companies authorised to confirm your information: Digidentity and the Post Office.
You can create an identity account with either of them. They will ask you questions and check your identity documents.
This service can check your driving licence information and provide you with a licence check code.
You can also apply by phone on 0300 083 0013. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and on Saturdays between 8am and 4pm.
Applications can also be made by post via the DVLA by either filling out a request form or sending a letter with your full name and address and your driver licence number – or your date of birth if you don’t have your licence number.
You then send it to: DACT Team, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AJ.
What is my driving licence number?
This is a 16-character number that’s unique to you. It appears on the photocard of your driving licence underneath the licence’s expiry date.
It starts with the first five letters from your surname. If it has fewer letters, the remaining spaces will be filled with the number nine.
Numbers showing the year, month and day you were born appear next. This is followed by the first two initials of your first names – or the character 9 if you only have one initial.
Then there are random digits generated by a computer as a security measure.
Remember – never post images of your driving licence online as these can be used by fraudsters trying to impersonate you.
How can I check if I have penalty points?
Penalty points you’ve received – as well as any disqualifications – are held on your driving record and can be checked online at any time via the government website.
It will show the endorsements received and when they’ll be removed. They will remain on your driving record for between four and 11 years, depending on the offence.
You can also be disqualified from driving if you receive 12 or more penalty points within three years.
The rules are even stricter if you’re a new driver. Your licence will be revoked for collecting six or more points within two years of passing your test.
What is a driving licence check code?
This enables you to share your driving licence information with someone else. This could be your insurance company, an employer, or a vehicle hire company.
An option to generate a code will be available when you view your driving licence information online. The code will be valid for 21 days.
In addition to the code, you will be asked to give the last eight characters of your driving licence.
Do I need my driving licence number to get car insurance?
You aren’t legally obliged to provide your driving licence number – but you will need to give insurers details about your driving entitlement and history.
It’s still possible to self-declare this information. However, some insurers may not provide cover if you aren’t willing to share it.
Sharing your licence information with them online means they can easily verify that everything you’ve told them is correct.
It also avoids mistakes being made that may not only invalidate any future claims, but also result in you being accused of insurance fraud.
What information can insurers get hold of?
By agreeing to share your driving licence data, insurance companies will get access to basic information that can be used to ensure you’re given a fair quote.
This will include which vehicles you’re entitled to drive, your driving history, how long you have held your licence, and whether you’ve had any penalty points or convictions in the last five years.
This information will be used to calculate a motor insurance quote, alongside any other details you’ve given the insurer about yourself and your vehicle.
What driving licence information do I need to check?
It’s always worth ensuring the information on your licence is up to date and correct. For example, does the licence show the right home address?
You can easily forget to update your licence when you move house but failing to do so could land you with a fine of up to £1,000.
Also, keep an eye on the licence expiry date. Photocards need to be renewed every 10 years to ensure the image on the card is a correct likeness of the driver.
Where can I check how my personal data is used?
The DVLA handles personal data in accordance with road traffic and data protection laws.
You can find further information about how this is processed and your rights at GOV.UK.
Where can I get more information on driving licences?
Further information on driving licences can be found at GOV.UK.
You can also contact the enquiry line on 0300 790 6801. Opening hours are between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays.
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