The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides an essential online service for Great Britain (GB) driving licence holders to 'View or Share Your Driving Licence Information' via GOV.UK. This service allows you to securely access your personal driving record, review details such as the vehicle categories you are entitled to drive, any penalty points (endorsements), or disqualifications. Critically, it also enables you to generate a unique 'check code'. This temporary code is designed to be shared with third parties, such as prospective employers, car hire companies, or even some insurance providers, allowing them to verify your driving status and entitlements without needing to see your physical licence or access your personal account.
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the official DVLA service, detailing the requirements, step-by-step process, common use cases, and important considerations to ensure you use it effectively and securely.
Understanding the DVLA 'View or Share' Service
The 'View or Share Your Driving Licence Information' service is an official online portal managed by the DVLA. Its primary purpose is to empower GB driving licence holders with direct access to their official driving record and to provide a secure, time-limited method for sharing that information with others. This system replaced the paper counterpart of the photocard driving licence, which was abolished in 2015.
The service is entirely digital and provides an up-to-date snapshot of your driving entitlements and history as recorded by the DVLA. It is crucial for maintaining transparency regarding your driving status, especially when dealing with organisations that require verification of your driving capabilities or record.
A unique, time-limited alphanumeric code generated by the DVLA's online service. It allows authorised third parties (such as employers or car hire companies) to view a specific driving licence holder's record without requiring access to their personal DVLA account details or National Insurance number. Each code is valid for 21 days from generation.
What the Service Does and Doesn't Do
It's important to understand the precise scope of this service:
What it DOES do:
- Allows you to view your current driving licence information online.
- Displays your valid vehicle categories and endorsements.
- Shows any penalty points you currently have on your licence.
- Confirms any disqualifications.
- Enables the generation of a 'check code' for sharing your record.
What it DOES NOT do:
- It does not renew your driving licence.
- It does not update your address, name, or photo on your driving licence.
- It does not replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence.
- It does not apply for a provisional licence or exchange a foreign licence.
- It is not a substitute for an International Driving Permit (IDP) when driving abroad.
This service is specifically for Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) driving licence holders. If you hold a Northern Ireland driving licence, you will need to use the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) services via nidirect, which operates under a separate system.
Eligibility and What You Need Before You Start
To use the 'View or Share Your Driving Licence Information' service, you must hold a valid Great Britain driving licence. There are no fees to access your own record or generate a check code.
Before you begin the online process, ensure you have the following information readily available. Accuracy is key to a smooth process.
- Your Great Britain Driving Licence Number: This is found on your photocard driving licence (usually section 5).
- Your National Insurance Number: This unique personal reference is required for identity verification.
- The Postcode on Your Driving Licence: This must be the exact postcode registered with the DVLA, as it appears on your current driving licence.
Ensure the postcode you use is the one currently registered with the DVLA, even if you have recently moved but not yet updated your licence. Using an incorrect postcode will result in access being denied. If your address has changed, you must update your driving licence separately.
Checking Your Driving Licence Status
It is always advisable to know the basic status of your licence, such as its expiry date. While the 'View or Share' service shows this, other DVLA services are available for specific checks:
- Provisional Driving Licence Holders: If you are a learner, you can still use this service to view your provisional entitlements.
- Full Driving Licence Holders: This service is primarily designed for full licence holders, including those with vocational categories (e.g., C, D, C+E).
- Disqualified Drivers: If you are currently disqualified from driving, the service will reflect this status.
Step-by-Step Guide: Accessing Your Driving Record and Generating a Check Code
The process for viewing your driving record and obtaining a check code is straightforward and can be completed entirely online.
View Your Driving Record and Get a Check Code
Visit the Official GOV.UK Service: Navigate to the official DVLA 'View or Share Your Driving Licence Information' page on GOV.UK.
Start the Service: Look for the 'Start now' button or similar prompt to begin the process.
Enter Your Details: You will be prompted to enter three key pieces of information for identity verification:
Your Great Britain driving licence number.
Your National Insurance number.
The postcode on your driving licence.
Agree to Terms (if prompted): You may need to confirm that you agree to the terms and conditions of using the service.
Access Your Driving Record: Once your details are verified, your full driving record will be displayed on screen. This includes:
Your personal details (name, date of birth).
Your licence expiry date.
The vehicle categories you are entitled to drive, along with any conditions (e.g., automatic transmission only).
Any penalty points (endorsements) currently active on your licence.
Details of any disqualifications.
Generate a Check Code (Optional): If you need to share your information, locate the option to 'Get a check code' or 'Share my licence information'.
Confirm Check Code Generation: The system will generate a unique check code. Make a note of this code immediately, as it will be displayed on screen. You will also see the expiry date of the code (21 days from generation).
Provide the Check Code: Share the generated code and your driving licence number with the third party who needs to view your record. They will then use their own online portal to input these details and access a restricted view of your driving record.
When you access your driving record, you'll see a range of information that reflects your current driving status.
Driving Licence Categories
Your licence categories indicate which types of vehicles you are legally allowed to drive. These are often accompanied by specific conditions or restrictions.
| Category | Description | Common Entitlement / Restrictions |
|---|
| AM | Mopeds | Two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of over 25 km/h (15.5 mph) but not exceeding 45 km/h (28 mph). Light quadricycles with unladen mass up to 350kg (excluding batteries for electric vehicles) and a maximum design speed of 45km/h. |
| A1 | Light motorcycles | Motorcycles with a power output up to 11 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. Also includes motor tricycles with a power output up to 15 kW. Minimum age 17. |
| A2 | Medium motorcycles | Motorcycles with a power output up to 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg. Can be restricted to 35 kW if originally higher. Minimum age 19. |
| A | Unrestricted motorcycles | Any motorcycle, with or without a sidecar. Also includes motor tricycles with a power output over 15 kW. Minimum age 24 (or 21 if you held A2 for 2 years). |
| B | Cars, vans, small vehicles | Vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500 kg, designed to carry no more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver. Also allows towing a trailer of up to 750 kg MAM, or a trailer over 750 kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer doesn't exceed 3,500 kg. |
| BE | Cars with trailers | Allows you to drive vehicles in category B with a trailer where the trailer's MAM is between 750 kg and 3,500 kg. The combined MAM of the car and trailer can exceed 3,500 kg. |
| C1 | Medium-sized vehicles | Vehicles with a MAM over 3,500 kg but not exceeding 7,500 kg, designed to carry no more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver. You can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kg. |
| C1E | Medium-sized vehicles with trailers | Allows you to drive C1 vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg MAM, provided the combined MAM does not exceed 12,000 kg and the trailer's MAM is not more than the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. |
| C | Large goods vehicles (LGV) | Vehicles with a MAM over 3,500 kg (no upper limit for MAM), designed to carry no more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver. You can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kg. |
| CE | Large goods vehicles with trailers | Allows you to drive C vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg MAM (e.g., articulated lorries). |
| D1 | Minibuses | Vehicles designed to carry between 9 and 16 passengers in addition to the driver, with a maximum length of 8 metres. You can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kg. |
| D1E | Minibuses with trailers | Allows you to drive D1 vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg MAM, provided the combined MAM does not exceed 12,000 kg and the trailer's MAM is not more than the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. |
| D | Buses, coaches | Vehicles designed to carry more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver (no upper limit). You can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kg. |
| DE | Buses with trailers | Allows you to drive D vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg MAM. |
Penalty Points (Endorsements) and Disqualifications
Your driving record will clearly show any penalty points (also known as endorsements) that are currently active on your licence, including the offence code, date of offence, and the date when the points will expire. It will also detail any periods of disqualification from driving.
Understanding these details is critical, especially as accumulating too many penalty points (usually 12 points within a 3-year period) can lead to disqualification under the 'totting up' system. New drivers (those who passed their first driving test in the last 2 years) have a lower threshold of 6 points.
The primary reason for generating a check code is to share your driving record securely and temporarily with a third party.
Providing the Check Code to Third Parties
Once you have generated your unique check code, you will need to provide it to the requesting organisation along with your driving licence number. The organisation will then use a dedicated online portal provided by the DVLA for businesses to input these two pieces of information and view a summary of your driving record.
The information they see is specific to what they need for verification purposes and typically includes:
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- The types of vehicles you can drive and any restrictions
- Any penalty points or disqualifications
A check code is only valid for 21 days from the date it is generated. After this period, it will expire, and you will need to generate a new one if the third party still requires access to your record. Keep this in mind when timing the generation of your code.
Common Reasons to Use a Check Code
There are several scenarios where you might be asked to provide a DVLA check code.
For Employment Purposes
Many employers, particularly those whose staff drive company vehicles, lorries, buses, or require driving as part of their job (e.g., delivery drivers, taxi drivers, sales representatives), will request to see your driving record. This is a standard procedure to verify your entitlements, check for penalty points, and assess your suitability for driving-related roles. Providing a check code is the official and most secure way for them to do this.
For Vehicle Hire Companies
When hiring a car, van, or any other vehicle in the UK or often abroad, the rental company will almost always require access to your driving record. This allows them to confirm you hold a valid licence for the vehicle you intend to hire, check for endorsements, and verify your eligibility under their insurance policies. They will typically ask for your physical photocard licence and a check code to access your digital record. If you got your licence in Northern Ireland, you may need to show the rental company your paper counterpart instead.
For Insurance Providers
While not as common as employers or hire companies, some insurance providers may request access to your driving record, especially for specialist policies, high-performance vehicles, or commercial vehicle insurance. This helps them accurately assess risk and set premiums.
Driving Abroad
If you are taking your own vehicle or hiring a vehicle abroad, particularly outside the EU/EEA, you may be asked to show proof of your driving record. While an International Driving Permit (IDP) translates your licence details, some foreign authorities or rental companies may still wish to verify your full record. It's advisable to check the specific requirements of the country you are visiting. The check code service is a valuable tool in these situations, although it's not universally recognised in every country.
Important Considerations and Common Pitfalls
Using the DVLA online service is generally straightforward, but awareness of specific details and potential issues can prevent delays or complications.
Data Security and Privacy
The check code system is designed with privacy in mind. When you generate a code, you are not giving away full access to your DVLA account. The third party only sees a summary of your driving record relevant to their verification needs. Always ensure you are on the official GOV.UK website before entering your details.
Expiry of Check Codes
As noted, a check code is valid for only 21 days. If a third party attempts to use an expired code, they will be denied access, and you will need to generate a new one. Plan ahead, especially if you know you'll need to provide it to an employer or hire company within a specific timeframe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an Incorrect Postcode: The postcode entered must exactly match the one on your driving licence, not necessarily your current residential address if you haven't updated your licence.
- Assuming it Renews Your Licence: The service provides information; it does not process renewals. Licence renewal is a separate procedure.
- Confusing GB and Northern Ireland Rules: The DVLA service is for Great Britain licences only. Northern Ireland has its own DVA services via nidirect.
- Sharing Your National Insurance Number Directly: You only provide your National Insurance number to the GOV.UK service itself, for verification. You should not give it directly to an employer or hire company for them to access your record. You give them the check code and your licence number.
- Delaying Licence Updates: If your name or address changes, you must update your driving licence with the DVLA. This is a separate process and ensures your record is accurate.
- Expecting the Code to be an IDP: A check code is not a substitute for an International Driving Permit (IDP) when driving in countries that require one. An IDP is a separate document.
- Using Unofficial Websites: Always access the service directly through the official GOV.UK website to avoid scams or phishing attempts.
Never treat a check code as a physical driving licence, proof of identity for general purposes, or as permission to drive if your licence is otherwise invalid (e.g., expired, revoked, or you are disqualified). Its sole function is to facilitate secure sharing of your existing driving record.
The 'View or Share' service is just one part of managing your driving life in Great Britain. Here are some related procedures you might need to undertake separately:
- Renewing Your Driving Licence: Your photocard licence needs to be renewed periodically (typically every 10 years, or at age 70 and then every 3 years). This is a separate online or postal application process.
- Updating Your Licence Details: If your name, address, or photo changes, you must inform the DVLA promptly. This requires a separate application to update your licence.
- Applying for a Provisional Driving Licence: For new drivers, the first step is to apply for a provisional licence to learn to drive.
- Booking Your Theory Test: Once you have a provisional licence, you can book your official theory test with the DVSA.
- Booking Your Practical Driving Test: After passing your theory test, you can book your practical driving test with the DVSA.
- Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence: If you hold a licence from outside GB and become a resident, you may need to exchange it for a GB licence, depending on its origin. This is a detailed separate process.
- Checking Penalty Points and Endorsements: While the 'View or Share' service shows current points, for detailed information on the penalty point system, including how they are issued and how long they remain on your record, consult the dedicated GOV.UK guidance.
What Happens Next: After Using the Service
After you have viewed your driving record or generated a check code, there isn't usually a "next step" unless you need to take further action (like updating your licence or addressing an issue found on your record).
- Record Updates: Your driving record is constantly updated by the DVLA. If you receive new penalty points, pass a new driving test, or have other changes, these will be reflected when you next access the service.
- Confirmation of Sharing: The DVLA does not typically send you a confirmation that a third party has viewed your record using a check code. It is up to the requesting organisation to confirm they have successfully accessed the information.
- Issues or Discrepancies: If you notice any incorrect information on your driving record when using the 'View or Share' service, you should contact the DVLA directly to report the discrepancy. Do not attempt to use the online service for corrections.
Official Sources and Further Verification
Always refer to the official government websites for the most up-to-date information, changes to procedures, or specific guidance.
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