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How to check a driving licence online
Use GOV.UK's 'Check someone's driving licence information' service. You need the last 8 characters of the person's driving licence number and a check code they create from their own driving record.
The check code is valid for 21 days and can only be used once, so you need a new code for each check. It is a criminal offence to obtain someone else's information without their permission. The service covers licences issued in England, Wales and Scotland.
- The driver creates a check code on GOV.UK or in their driver and vehicles account
- They give you the code and the last 8 characters of their licence number
- You check the vehicles they can drive, penalty points and disqualifications
- Record the result and the date
What to check
Look beyond whether the licence is valid. Confirm the categories cover the vehicles the person drives for you, and note any penalty points, endorsements or disqualifications so you can apply your driving policy.
- The licence is valid and not disqualified
- The categories cover the vehicles used for work
- Penalty points and endorsements
- The photocard expiry date
- Business-use insurance for people driving their own car, if your policy requires it
How often to re-check
There is no single legal frequency for most employers. Set a re-check interval in your driving at work policy based on risk, and check more often for people who drive a lot or already have points.
Check again when someone changes role, starts driving a different type of vehicle, or tells you about a new endorsement. Record every check so you can show the routine is followed.
What to record
Keep the check result, not a copy of the whole driving record, and follow data protection law and your own policy on what you keep.
- The date of each check and who did it
- Licence categories, points and any restrictions
- Photocard expiry date
- The date the next check is due
- Related records such as business-use insurance
How SkillProof helps
SkillProof keeps each driver's licence check as a staff document requirement, with the check date, licence details, photocard expiry and your next check date. Reminders go out before the next check is due, and staff can upload a renewed licence or insurance certificate for review. SkillProof does not check DVLA records itself.
Driving records sit with the person's training and other checks, so a manager can see who is cleared to drive.
Official guidance used for this guide
Checked
GOV.UK guidance used for this article. Check it for the latest service details.
Questions this guide answers
How can an employer check a driving licence?
Use GOV.UK's 'Check someone's driving licence information' service with the last 8 characters of the licence number and a check code from the driver. The code lasts 21 days and works once.
How often should employers check driving licences?
Most employers set their own interval in a driving at work policy based on risk, checking more often for high-mileage drivers or people with points, and again when someone's role or vehicle changes.
Can I check a licence without the driver's permission?
No. GOV.UK says it is a criminal offence to obtain someone else's personal information without their permission. The driver creates the check code for you.
Does SkillProof check DVLA records?
No. SkillProof records each check, the licence details and the next check date, and reminds you before the next check is due.