If you are searching for “DVLA driving record”, you may want to find out what information is held about your driving licence, check your vehicle entitlements, review penalty points, confirm a disqualification, or share your driving information with an employer or car hire company.
Your DVLA driving record contains important information about your driving entitlement and relevant endorsements. For driving licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales, eligible drivers can use the official online service to view or share their driving licence information.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about the DVLA driving record, including how to check it online, what information you can see, how DVLA check codes work, and what to do if you discover an error.
Important: This article is for informational purposes. For an official DVLA driving record check, always use the appropriate GOV.UK service.
For more UK driving licence information, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
What Is a DVLA Driving Record?
A DVLA driving record is the electronic record associated with your driving licence.
It contains important information about your driving status, including relevant details about your driving entitlement, penalty points and disqualifications.
The official online service allows eligible drivers to:
- View their driving record
- Check which vehicles they can drive
- Check penalty points
- Check disqualifications
- Share their driving information
- Generate a temporary driving licence check code
The online service applies to driving licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
If you want to learn more about checking a UK licence, see our DVLA licence check guide.
How to Check Your DVLA Driving Record Online
Checking your DVLA driving record online is generally straightforward.
To access your own driving information, you will normally need:
- Your driving licence number
- Your National Insurance number
- The postcode recorded on your driving licence
These details are used by the official DVLA service to identify your record.
Step-by-Step DVLA Driving Record Check
1. Go to the official GOV.UK service
Use the official service for viewing or sharing driving licence information.
2. Enter your driving licence number
Type your licence number exactly as shown on your driving licence.
3. Provide your National Insurance number
Enter your National Insurance number when requested.
4. Enter your postcode
Use the postcode currently associated with your driving licence.
5. View your record
Once your information has been verified, you can access your available driving record information.
6. Review your details
Check your vehicle entitlements, penalty points, disqualifications and other relevant information.
7. Generate a check code if required
If an employer or car hire company needs to verify your driving information, you can create a temporary check code.
For related information, visit our UK driving licence guide.
What Information Is on a DVLA Driving Record?
Your DVLA driving record can contain several types of information relating to your driving licence.
1. Driving Entitlements
Your record can show the categories of vehicles you are entitled to drive.
This can be particularly important if you:
- Have recently passed your driving test
- Have added another licence category
- Want to drive a van
- Are applying for a driving job
- Are hiring a vehicle
- Have held your licence for many years
Always check your actual entitlement before driving a vehicle you are unfamiliar with.
2. Penalty Points
Your driving record can contain penalty points and endorsements resulting from motoring offences.
Checking your DVLA driving record can help you understand what penalty points are currently recorded against your licence.
You may want to check your record after:
- Receiving a fixed penalty
- Being convicted of a motoring offence
- Receiving an endorsement
- Applying for a driving job
- Hiring a vehicle
- Reviewing your driving history
GOV.UK provides an online service for checking endorsement details and penalty points.
3. Disqualifications
A driving disqualification can also appear on your record.
If you have been banned from driving, it is important to understand your current legal driving status before getting behind the wheel.
Do not rely solely on whether you physically have a photocard licence. Your electronic driving record can contain information that affects your entitlement to drive.
Why Should You Check Your DVLA Driving Record?
There are several good reasons to check your DVLA driving record.
Confirm Your Driving Entitlement
You can make sure that your record reflects the categories of vehicles you are entitled to drive.
Check Penalty Points
You can review penalty points and endorsements recorded on your driving record.
Check a Disqualification
If you have previously been disqualified, checking your record can help you establish your current position.
Prepare for Car Hire
Some rental companies ask customers to provide a DVLA check code.
Prepare for Employment
An employer may need to verify your driving entitlement before allowing you to drive a company vehicle.
Identify Possible Errors
Regularly reviewing your record may help you identify information that appears to be incorrect.
For more information about UK licence checks, see our driving licence check UK guide.
DVLA Driving Record for Car Hire
A DVLA driving record can be important when hiring a car or other vehicle.
Some car hire companies ask customers to provide a DVLA check code so they can verify relevant driving information.
The company may want to confirm:
- Your driving entitlement
- Penalty points
- Disqualifications
- Relevant licence information
GOV.UK notes that vehicle hire companies may ask for a check code or other driving licence information.
What Should You Do Before Hiring a Car?
Before collecting your rental vehicle:
- Check your DVLA driving record.
- Confirm that your information is correct.
- Generate a DVLA check code if requested.
- Provide the code to the rental company.
- Take your physical driving licence and any other required documentation.
Rental companies can have different requirements, so check with the company before travelling.
DVLA Driving Record for Employers
If you are applying for a job that involves driving, an employer may need to check your driving entitlement.
This can apply to:
- Delivery drivers
- Courier drivers
- Van drivers
- HGV drivers
- Bus drivers
- Coach drivers
- Taxi drivers
- Fleet drivers
- Company car drivers
You may be asked to provide a DVLA check code so that your employer can verify relevant information.
Companies can also use the official DVLA process for requesting driver entitlement information.
If you are interested in other UK licence information, visit our UK driving licence resource.
What Is a DVLA Check Code?
A DVLA check code is a temporary code that allows another person or organisation to access relevant information from your driving record.
You may need to generate a check code when:
- Starting a new driving job
- Hiring a car
- Applying for a position involving driving
- Providing your driving information to an employer
- Allowing an organisation to verify your driving entitlement
According to GOV.UK, a driving licence check code is valid for 21 days and can only be used once.
If the code expires or has already been used, you need to generate another one.
How to Generate a DVLA Driving Licence Check Code
If you need to share your DVLA driving record, you can generate a check code through the official online service.
The general process is:
Step 1: Access Your Driving Record
Use the official GOV.UK service to view your driving licence information.
Step 2: Select the Sharing Option
Choose the appropriate option for sharing your driving information.
Step 3: Generate Your Code
Create a temporary licence check code.
Step 4: Give the Code to the Recipient
Provide the code to your employer, car hire company or other authorised person.
Step 5: Provide the Required Licence Information
The recipient may also need the last eight characters of your driving licence number.
Remember that the check code is temporary. GOV.UK states that it remains valid for 21 days.
Can Someone Else Check Your DVLA Driving Record?
Yes, but they need your permission.
You cannot simply give another person unrestricted access to your private driving information.
If another person needs to check your record, they generally need:
- Your permission
- A valid check code
- The last eight characters of your driving licence number
This system is particularly useful for employers and car hire companies.
It allows organisations to verify relevant driving information while limiting access to the driver’s personal information.
How Long Is a DVLA Check Code Valid?
A DVLA check code is valid for 21 days.
It can also only be used once.
If a company tries to use an expired or already-used code, you will need to generate a new one.
This is an important detail to remember when preparing for:
- A job interview
- A new driving job
- A car rental
- A fleet vehicle assessment
- Another situation where someone needs to verify your driving record
DVLA Driving Record and Penalty Points
Penalty points can have a significant impact on your driving status.
If you receive penalty points, it is sensible to review your DVLA driving record so that you know what has been recorded.
Endorsements can remain on your driving record for different periods depending on the offence.
You should also be aware that accumulating penalty points can eventually result in disqualification.
For many drivers, reaching 12 or more penalty points within three years can result in disqualification, although the exact circumstances and rules can vary.
DVLA Driving Record for New Drivers
New drivers should pay particular attention to their driving record.
Under the New Drivers Act, a licence can be revoked if a driver receives six or more penalty points within two years of passing their first driving test.
This makes it particularly important for recently qualified drivers to understand what is recorded on their licence.
If you have recently passed your test, you can also explore our UK driving licence information for related guidance.
DVLA Driving Record and Vehicle Categories
Your driving licence gives you specific vehicle entitlements.
Different licence categories cover different types of vehicles.
Checking your DVLA driving record can be useful if you are unsure whether your licence allows you to drive:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Vans
- Larger vehicles
- Passenger-carrying vehicles
- Other vehicle categories
This is particularly important if you are starting a new job or planning to hire a vehicle that is different from the one you normally drive.
Understanding Driving Licence Codes
When reviewing your DVLA driving record and physical driving licence, you may encounter various restriction codes.
Driving licence codes provide information about conditions attached to your driving entitlement.
For example, some codes relate to:
- Eyesight correction
- Vehicle adaptations
- Specific driving restrictions
- Other conditions associated with your entitlement
Understanding the codes on your licence is important because you must comply with applicable conditions when driving.
Can I Check My DVLA Driving Record Without an Account?
Yes.
You do not necessarily have to create a Driver and Vehicles account simply to view or share your driving licence information.
The dedicated GOV.UK service normally asks for your:
- Driving licence number
- National Insurance number
- Licence postcode
A Driver and Vehicles account provides additional DVLA services, but viewing or sharing driving licence information is also available through the dedicated online service.
What Is a DVLA Driver and Vehicles Account?
The Driver and Vehicles account provides access to various DVLA services.
Depending on your circumstances, the account can allow you to:
- View your driving record
- Check penalty points
- Check disqualifications
- Renew your photocard licence
- Replace a lost or stolen licence
- Change your address
- View your driving licence photo
- Create a licence check code
- Access certain vehicle information
- View CPC and tachograph information where applicable
If you regularly manage your vehicle or driving information online, having access to the appropriate DVLA services can make administration easier.
DVLA Driving Record After Moving House
If you move to a new address, make sure your driving licence details are updated.
After updating your information, you can check your DVLA driving record to confirm that your details are correct.
Keeping your address up to date is important because DVLA correspondence can be sent to the address recorded on your driving licence.
If you need more information about UK licence administration, visit our DVLA driving licence guide.
DVLA Driving Record After Losing Your Licence
If your physical driving licence is lost or stolen, your driving record does not simply disappear.
You can apply for a replacement driving licence through the appropriate DVLA service.
If you need information about replacing a lost or stolen licence, see our lost or stolen driving licence guide.
Once you have access to your online driving information, you can continue to manage your licence through the available DVLA services.
What If Your DVLA Driving Record Is Incorrect?
After checking your DVLA driving record, you might notice information that you believe is incorrect.
Possible issues could include:
- Incorrect penalty points
- An endorsement you do not recognise
- Incorrect driving entitlement
- An unexpected disqualification
- Incorrect personal information
Do not ignore information that appears to be wrong.
The appropriate correction process depends on the type of information involved.
For example, GOV.UK guidance indicates that drivers with incorrect endorsement details should contact the court that convicted them.
For other issues, you may need to contact DVLA directly or follow the relevant official procedure.
Can I Request My Full DVLA Driving Record?
If you need information beyond what is available through the standard online service, you may be able to make a Subject Access Request (SAR) to DVLA.
A subject access request allows you to request personal information held about you.
GOV.UK states that there is no charge for making a subject access request to DVLA.
However, most drivers who simply want to check their current driving status do not need to make a SAR. The standard online service is normally more convenient.
DVLA Driving Record: England, Scotland and Wales
The DVLA is responsible for licensing drivers in:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
The online DVLA driving record service applies to licences issued in these areas.
Northern Ireland operates a separate driving licence system through the Driver & Vehicle Agency.
Therefore, if you hold a Northern Ireland driving licence, you should use the relevant Northern Ireland service rather than the DVLA service for Great Britain.
Is Checking a DVLA Driving Record Free?
The standard online service for viewing or sharing your own driving licence information is available without a separate charge.
This makes it a convenient way to review your DVLA driving record before:
- Hiring a vehicle
- Applying for a driving job
- Checking penalty points
- Reviewing your driving entitlement
- Providing information to an employer
Some alternative methods of requesting driving information may have different requirements or fees.
Why You Should Regularly Check Your DVLA Driving Record
Your physical photocard licence is important, but your electronic driving record provides additional information about your current driving status.
Regularly checking your record can help you:
- Confirm your driving entitlements
- Review penalty points
- Check disqualifications
- Prepare for car hire
- Prepare for employment
- Identify potential errors
- Understand licence restrictions
- Maintain accurate driving information
This can be particularly useful for professional drivers and motorists who frequently hire vehicles.
For more information, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.
Frequently Asked Questions About DVLA Driving Record
What is a DVLA driving record?
A DVLA driving record is the electronic record associated with your driving licence. It contains relevant information about your driving entitlement, penalty points, disqualifications and other licence information.
How do I check my DVLA driving record?
You can use the official GOV.UK online service. You will normally need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode recorded on your licence.
Can I check my DVLA record online?
Yes. Eligible drivers with licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales can use the online service to view or share their driving licence information.
Can I check my penalty points online?
Yes. Your online driving record can show penalty points and relevant endorsement information.
How do I get a DVLA check code?
You can generate a check code through the official online service for viewing or sharing your driving licence information.
How long does a DVLA check code last?
A DVLA check code is valid for 21 days and can only be used once.
Can my employer check my DVLA driving record?
Yes. You can provide your employer with a valid check code so that they can verify relevant driving information.
Can a car hire company check my DVLA record?
Yes. A car hire company may ask you to provide a check code before allowing you to hire a vehicle.
Can I check someone else’s driving record?
Yes, with their permission. The person checking the record generally needs a valid check code and the last eight characters of the driver’s licence number.
Does the DVLA driving record service cover Northern Ireland?
No. The DVLA service described here applies to licences issued in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate driving licence system.
Final Thoughts
Your DVLA driving record is an important source of information about your current driving status.
Whether you want to check your vehicle entitlements, review penalty points, confirm a disqualification, prepare for car hire or provide your driving information to an employer, checking your record online can help you stay informed.
For your own record, you will normally need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and licence postcode. If another organisation needs to verify your driving information, you can generate a temporary DVLA check code.
Remember that a check code is valid for 21 days and can only be used once, so generate it close to the time when it will be needed.
For more information about DVLA driving licences, driving records, licence checks, penalty points and UK driving licence services, visit UK DVLA Driving Licence.