The DVLA has extended the time period that third parties can view a driver’s licence records via an online code from 72 hours to 21 days in a “victory for common sense”.

This move has been welcomed by industry, but online licence checking still remains a contentious issue among firms needing to check multiple licences, following the abolition of the paper counterpart last month.

Ian Gallagher, FTA lead on DVLA, said: “Allowing employers longer to use the code before it expires is a sensible move.

“However we still believe more changes are needed to make the system efficient and effective, such as the ability to check non-GB licences online instead of via an office hours-only phone line.

“Bulk checking of licences is also an issue that needs to be reviewed,” he said.

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