MegSnow

In view of the new rules in the UK (and the chaos), when we go for a holiday in October will we need an abstract or will the Alberta photo card license suffice in hiring a car? Thank you

MarkG

As far as I'm aware, the chaos only affects UK drivers hiring cars with a UK license, and not us foreigners hiring cars with those strange foreign licenses.

Just another complete cockup by DVLC, as far as I can see. Next year, I hear they're going to try to organise a p*ss-up in a brewery, but I don't hold out much hope of success.

Atlantic Xpat

As MarkG says, I believe it's UK DL holder who have the problem when renting, not foreign licence holders when renting in the UK. I rented a car from City Airport last Friday on my Canadian licence with absolutely no problem.

beckiwoo

Could someone please explain or post a link in regards to this new rule? Does it have any thing to do with the counterparts being phased out?

mikelincs

Sorry, no link, but yes now the paper counterparts have been phased out UK people wishing to use their UK licence to hire a car in another country have to get a printput from the DVLA which has a barcode, this is then used by the hirering company and is a check that the licence is curernt and has no ban etc. the printout is only valid for some 72 hours after printing, so needs to be done just before the driver leaves the UK.

Found a link..

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/d...icence-changes

This has been publicised widely over the last 12 months in the UK, so I can't see why people are complaining they knew nothing about it.

Shard

Not that widely publicised. I hadn't heard about it.

mikelincs

I had, and I don't even drive..

Former Lancastrian

Seems like the UK are BEHIND Canada on this one. Pffft paper licences.

Pizzawheel

Behind the whole world as far as I can make out!

Good thing for me is the car seat rules are slightly more relaxed so Micro-Wheel wont need a rental carseat when we're over there this summer.

MegSnow

It seems to be a drama because the computers all crashed (as seems to be the norm with government computers) and some rental companies are charging a further £10 to check the database. On top of that if you're not renting a car for a few days then you have to call the DVLA from abroad to get the code which costs a fortune as government phones are not free and you have to go through so many menus to get to what you want you're on the phone for ages.

Former Lancastrian

Well allegedly the paper part had your record on it i.e. types of vehicle you can drive, any penalty points and endorsements. So you now want to rent a vehicle and hand over your photo id part how does the rental person know what you can drive or if you have points etc.
Sure they can call the DVLA as quoted in the link

You can then call DVLA on 0906 139 3837 (calls cost 51p per minute) to check the driver’s details after they’ve given their permission.

Why is the counterpart being abolished?
The decision to abolish the counterpart was as a result of the government’s Red Tape Challenge consultation on road transportation. It also aligns to DVLA’s Strategic Plan which includes commitment to simplifying our services.

Less red tape unless renting a vehicle

Howefamily

I am hoping you are being sarcastic here. Theres nothing good about not needing a carseat if you are small

AlliF

From that link you posted it looks like people can access the info online via the Share Driving licence service anyway so why the need to print out anything?
Does seem to be a bit of a pain in the proverbial though.
Will make sure hubby is using Canadian licence for trip back later this year.

Pizzawheel

In Britain small is under 135cm- in Canada it's 145cm. Neither of which is really small though it depends on the car too. They can't go in the front seat in the UK though.

mikelincs

This is the part of the link that applies to hiring a car.

<Since 8 June 2015, you should check with the hire company what they need to see when you hire a vehicle. If you’re asked for evidence of what vehicles you can drive or confirmation of any penalty points, you can request a unique code from GOV.UK which allows you to share your driving licence details or you can download a summary of your driving licence record. The code lasts for up to 72 hours and will allow the hire companies to make any necessary checks. >