Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Holiday Special

In an X-Ray holiday special, Lucy investigates travel insurance, while Rachel discovers what it is like on trains for wheelchair users. Plus advice on staying safe in the sun.

X-Ray is back with an hour-long holiday special. Lucy investigates travel insurance, while Rachel takes to the rail network to discover what it's like on trains for wheelchair users this summer. There's essential advice on staying safe in the sun and avoiding food poisoning when eating al fresco. And we've got the lowdown on how to complain if your dream holiday turns into a nightmare.

1 hour

Last on

Mon 27 Jul 2015 19:00

Hiring a Car Abroad? The Law Has Changed

Since the 8th July 2015 the DVLA has abolished the paper counterpart to the photo driving licence, so they say the document no longer has any legal status and should be destroyed.

If you have a paper licence issued before 1998 when the photocard driving licence was introduced, then you should keep hold of this because it remains valid, but if you change any details like your name, address, or if you have any endorsements, you will be issued with a photocard licence by the DVLA and your old paper licence won’t be returned to you.

If you need to prove your driving credentials – for example, if you’re planning on hiring a car - you’ll need to get your up-to-date details from the DVLA’s website:

Ìý

This page will create a licence ‘check code’ to share your driving record with someone like a car hire company.Ìý The ‘check code’ will be valid for 21 days to allow someone to see what vehicles you can drive, any penalty points or disqualifications you have and the last 8 characters of your driving licence number.

You can’t use this service if your licence was issued in Northern Ireland, to check the progress of a licence application, or to check historical information like expired penalty points.

To generate a check code you will need:

  • your driving licence number

  • your National Insurance number

  • the postcode on your driving licence

If you can’t generate a code online the you can call 0300 083 0013 and the DVLA will provide you with a code.

This information is correct as of 28/07/2015. For further information see:

Ìý

The X-Ray team will be back in the office in August - starting work on the our autumn run - which begins in October.

In the meantime - you can contact the programme onÌýxray@bbc.co.ukÌýor you can call our audience line on 03703 334 334.

Follow us on Twitter @bbcxray for the latest on what we’re up to!

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Lucy Owen
Presenter Rachel Treadaway-Williams
Editor Ceri Rowlands
Producer Rachel MacManus

Broadcast