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A driving licence check code is a unique number that is given to you by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that allows someone – like an employer, car rental company, or driving instructor – to check your driving licence details online.
Proving your entitlement to drive is a legal requirement that ensures you are authorised to be behind the wheel. This process verifies that you hold a valid driving licence, are permitted to drive certain types of vehicles (manual or automatic), and have no disqualifications, penalty points, or restrictions that might prevent you from driving.
In 2015, the paper driving licence was removed and the photo card was implemented instead. This meant that penalty points, disqulaifications and driving bans were not recorded on the driving licence and instead are now accessible online – this is what a driving licence check code involves.
Before your first driving lesson, you need to generate a code on the DVLA website, which you then need to provide to your instructor. They must check your full licence details to confirm you are legally able to drive and therefore proceed with your lessons.
Checking your entitlement on a driving licence is very serious, and this process must take place before you can start driving. This check is essential for insurance purposes and ensures both you and your instructor are compliant with the law. Failing to confirm your entitlement to drive can have serious consequences, including invalidating insurance or even legal penalties.
When needing to get your driving licence check code, you need to head over to the GOV website and follow the step-by-step instructions. The check code is only valid for 21 days, so only generate this code when asked by your driving instructor.
Before you start the process, you will need:
You must follow these instructions below to generate your driving licence check code which will prove your entitlement to drive.
Step 1: Visit the Gov website and enter your driving licence number, national insurance number and postcode as shown on your driving licence.
Step 2: Click on “share licence information”. This creates a code. The code is case-sensitive, can only be used once, and is only valid for 21 days.
Step 3: Send the code to your Instructor along with the last eight digits of your driving licence number. In advance of your first driving lesson, your Instructor will view your licence details online. Be aware that your Instructor is encouraged to save a screenshot as evidence of the licence entitlement check.
Please note that you should also produce your photocard licence for ID inspection on your first lesson. It is your responsibility to provide your Instructor with proof that you have a valid licence to drive before the beginning of your first driving lesson. If you fail to provide this proof, your Instructor is entitled to refuse to continue the lesson.
Your code will be valid for 21 days once it has been generated. Once the code has expired, you can generate a new check if needed. At RED, we advise that you generate this code once you have secured your instructor and they have requested your code.
Get your driving licence code
Now you understand why and how to generate your check code for driving, it is time to get started with your driving lessons.
Find your nearest driving instructor with RED Driver Training and book your first lesson. Once you have connected with your instructor, use this simple guide to generate your code and get you on the road.
If you don't prove your entitlement, your driving lessons could be delayed or even cancelled. Additionally, driving without confirming your legal entitlement can result in insurance issues and legal penalties for both you and your instructor.
You usually need to prove your entitlement before your first driving lesson or if your instructor requires updated details. It's important to provide a new DVLA check code each time you're asked, as the codes are only valid for 21 days.
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