MSE News: Warning: You need a DVLA code to hire a car in UK or abroad

Former_MSE_Helen

Motorists planning to hire a car may need to show a code to do so, which is valid only for 72 hours, from 8 June...

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Warning: You need a DVLA code to hire a car in UK or abroad




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Boltonlass

Crazy - sounds to me like another EU farce. Not only will we have to contact DVLA within 72 hrs of hiring, but we will still have to take the paper document in case hire firms aren't aware of the change! So how exactly has that made it in any way easier for the paying public?

benjus

As I've said in other threads, I can see this being an issue when hiring in the UK or in destinations where lots of British people go. And these places will probably get up to speed quickly with the changes.

But "abroad" is a big place - are we really expecting every car hire place in "abroad" to keep up to speed with the UK's (and every other country's) systems for handling driving endorsements? More to the point, do they actually care about endorsements? I don't think I've ever been asked for my counterpart when hiring cars in more far-flung destinations.

Pincher

It sounds like some kind of desperate attempt to protect us from identity theft by greasy car rental clerks from dodgy companies.


The normal car rental procedure requires that we hand over so much information, that it's a free pass for ID thieves. By handing over my driving license, the only thing they don't get is my National Insurance Number.


If you only give them a temporary reference number, it would be a lot more secure, but you still have to show them your Driving License any way, so the only thing the ID thief hasn't got is your National Insurance Number, exactly like before.


The only rational explanation is, the DVLA is so strapped for cash, that they haven't got the budget for a proper web enabled system, so legitimate retailers can register and make automated enquiries. DVLA has doomed their call centre with a deluge of calls that they will sink under.

davebush

1/ Is the code any use if the rental office doesn't have an internet connection?

2/ If the rental office does have an internet connection, can't they just use my driving licence number and NI number to look it up themselves?

Boltonlass

davebush wrote: »

1/ Is the code any use if the rental office doesn't have an internet connection?


2/ If the rental office does have an internet connection, can't they just use my driving licence number and NI number to look it up themselves?

1. Shouldn't think there are many car hire firms without internet connection!

2. Probably, but do you really think they are going to be that obliging if they have a queue of customers waiting? There may well be some data protection laws that would prevent them looking at your details, I have no idea but I wouldn't personally want to risk leaving it to some grumpy, tired, overworked member of staff who speaks limited English.

Penelopa.Pitstop

I was never asked about counter part abroad and I travel a lot and rent cars quite often. I don't even bother taking it with me anywhere so I won't bother with codes as well.

Oblivion

So far this has all been about car hire, but will this also affect those who have a 'loan / courtesy' car for the day when taking your car into the garage for its annual service?

jimlad68

How do you go on if you only want to hire your car say 1 week into your holiday and have no internet connection. Come to that what if you have no internet connection at home.

eDicky

Boltonlass wrote: »

Crazy - sounds to me like another EU farce. Not only will we have to contact DVLA within 72 hrs of hiring, but we will still have to take the paper document in case hire firms aren't aware of the change! So how exactly has that made it in any way easier for the paying public?

I don't think the EU can be blamed for the farce of this uniquely British system of a paper counterpart to a photocard driving licence, to prove its validity, now being perpetuated electronically for our further convenience.

pistonchick72

Do you still need to take a DVLA code with you if you have already booked your car hire from the UK? (I've already booked mine for June - there's no mention about it on my collection voucher from Europcar)