Driving Licence Check Code: How to Prove Your Entitlement to Drive

A driving licence check code is a unique code generated through the DVLA that allows another person or organisation to view your driving licence information online. It can be used by employers, car hire companies, driving instructors and other authorised parties to check your driving entitlement.

A DVLA check code can show important information about your licence, including the vehicles you are entitled to drive and any relevant penalty points, disqualifications or restrictions.

Why Do You Need a Driving Licence Check Code?

A driving licence check helps confirm that you are legally entitled to drive. For example, a driving instructor can use your DVLA check code to verify your licence details before providing driving lessons.

The check can confirm information such as:

• Whether you hold a valid driving licence
• Which vehicle categories you are entitled to drive
• Whether you have penalty points or disqualifications
• Whether there are restrictions affecting your driving entitlement

Since the introduction of the photocard driving licence, information such as penalty points and disqualifications is no longer displayed on the physical licence. Instead, this information can be checked online through the DVLA.

For learner drivers, an instructor may ask you to provide a driving licence check code before your first lesson so they can verify your entitlement to drive.

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Where Can I Get My DVLA Check Code?

You can generate your DVLA driving licence check code through the official government website.

View or share your driving licence information

Before generating your code, you will need:

• Your driving licence number
• Your National Insurance number
• The postcode shown on your driving licence

Make sure the information you enter matches your driving licence records.

How to Get a Driving Licence Check Code

Getting your driving licence check code only takes a few steps.

Step 1: Visit the GOV.UK Website

Go to the official GOV.UK service for viewing your driving licence information. Enter your driving licence number, National Insurance number and postcode when prompted.

Step 2: Select “Share Your Licence Information”

Once you have accessed your licence information, select the option to share your licence information. This will generate your driving licence check code.

Your code is case-sensitive and should be copied exactly as it appears.

Step 3: Give the Code to Your Instructor or Other Requesting Organisation

If your driving instructor has asked for the code, provide them with the check code and the last eight characters of your driving licence number.

They can then use these details to access the relevant driving licence information online and check your entitlement.

You should also have your physical photocard driving licence available when requested for identification purposes, particularly when attending your first driving lesson.

How Long Does a DVLA Check Code Last?

A DVLA check code is valid for 21 days from the date it is generated. If your code expires before it is used, you can generate a new driving licence check code through the GOV.UK service.

For this reason, it is generally best to generate your code when the person requesting it needs it rather than creating one too far in advance.

What Happens If I Don’t Provide My Driving Licence Check Code?

If your driving instructor has requested a driving licence check code and you do not provide it, your lessons may be delayed or cancelled until your driving entitlement can be verified.

Checking your licence details also helps ensure that you and your instructor have the necessary information about your entitlement to drive. Driving without the appropriate legal entitlement or failing to meet relevant requirements can have insurance and legal consequences.

If you have been asked to provide a DVLA check code, it is best to generate one promptly and send the required details to your instructor.

How Often Do I Need to Prove My Driving Entitlement?

You may be asked to prove your driving entitlement before your first driving lesson or whenever your instructor needs to verify updated licence information.

Because a driving licence check code only remains valid for 21 days, you may need to generate a new code if the previous one has expired.

If your instructor specifically asks for an updated DVLA check code, follow their instructions and provide a new code through the official GOV.UK service.

Driving Licence Check Code FAQs

What is a driving licence check code?

A driving licence check code is a unique code generated through the DVLA that allows another person or organisation to check your driving licence information online. It can be used to verify your driving entitlement, licence categories, penalty points and other relevant information.

How do I get a DVLA check code?

You can get a DVLA check code online through the GOV.UK driving licence service. You will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and the postcode shown on your licence.

How long is a driving licence check code valid?

A driving licence check code is valid for 21 days after it is generated. If it expires, you can generate another code online.

What information do I need to get a driving licence check code?

You need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and driving licence postcode to access your driving licence information and generate a check code.

What do I give my driving instructor?

If your instructor asks you for a DVLA check code, you will generally need to provide the check code along with the last eight characters of your driving licence number. Your instructor can then use these details to check your driving entitlement.

Can someone else check my driving licence without my permission?

A driving licence check code is generated specifically to allow another person or organisation to access your driving licence information. You should only share your code with the person or organisation that needs to check your driving entitlement.

What happens if my DVLA check code expires?

If your DVLA check code has expired, it can no longer be used. You can return to the GOV.UK driving licence service and generate a new check code when required.

Do I need a driving licence check code for my first driving lesson?

Your driving instructor may ask you to provide a driving licence check code before your first lesson so they can verify your driving entitlement. You should also follow any identification requirements provided by your instructor.

Is a driving licence check code the same as my driving licence number?

No. Your driving licence number identifies your driving licence, while a check code is a temporary code that allows another person or organisation to access relevant licence information online. The check code is only valid for 21 days.