If you drive in the UK, you must keep your licence details accurate and accessible. Employers, transport managers, and hire companies often need proof of your driving record. The online system from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency makes this quick and secure.
Here is what you need to know.
Why You Need to Share Your Licence
Paper counterparts ended in 2015. Your licence details now sit online.
Employers check:
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Penalty points
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Disqualifications
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Licence categories
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Expiry dates
If you drive HGVs or PSVs, operators must check your record regularly under their Operator Licence duties. Failing to do so risks fines and Public Inquiry action.
How to View Your Driving Licence Online
You can access your record through the official government service.
To log in, you need:
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Your driving licence number
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Your National Insurance number
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Your postcode
Once logged in, you can see:
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Vehicles you can drive
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Endorsements and penalty points
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Disqualification history
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Licence status and expiry dates
This service is free and available 24 hours a day.
How to Share Your Driving Licence Information
When an employer or hire company needs to check your record, you must create a check code.
Here is the process:
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Log in to the DVLA service.
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Select the option to share your licence.
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Generate a check code.
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Give the code to your employer.
The code lasts for 21 days. After that, it expires and you must create a new one.
The employer enters the code along with your licence number to view your record.
Why This Matters for HGV and PSV Drivers
If you drive professionally, your operator must check your licence at regular intervals.
Best practice for operators:
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Check every driver at least every 6 months
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Check high risk drivers every 3 months
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Keep written evidence of checks
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Act on endorsements immediately
Traffic Commissioners expect operators to monitor drivers closely. Poor monitoring can lead to enforcement action.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many drivers and operators make simple errors:
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Forgetting to renew photocard licences every 10 years
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Ignoring address updates after moving
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Failing to declare new penalty points
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Allowing expired CPC cards
Each of these creates compliance risk.
Keeping Your Licence Record Clean
You protect your job by managing your licence properly.
Take these steps:
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Check your licence online twice a year
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Update personal details promptly
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Inform your operator of any changes
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Renew before expiry
A clean licence protects your career and your employer’s Operator Licence.
If you run a transport business and need help setting up driver licence monitoring systems, Blue Flag Transport Consulting can review your compliance procedures and reduce enforcement risk.
