DVLA has had some flak recently over it's plans to scrap the paper portion of your driving license. The problem is, although it seems daft to have a photo ID card and a paper portion, the paper bit is the important bit as it shows any convictions.
The DVLA plan is to move this information online and scrap the paper part, which sounds great 
Until you want to hire a car in outer Mongolia or the rest of Europe who won't have access to the DVLA database, so will need proof that you haven't got any convictions.
But there's a typically British solution, if you go to the DVLA website before you go on holiday, they will give you a code, which may or may not be asked for 
Oh, and it's only valid for 3 days..
DVLA CEO has hit back with criticism, "they could save their driving records from the DVLA website as a PDF file and store them on their mobile phone, and show any rental company if needed."
Or we could just keep the paper portion of our driving license.. 
Great quote.. "The government has defended the new system, saying it will save millions of pounds, and reduce red tape."
But confuse half the population, as well as foreign car rental companies.
Just to finish the story off, "The new arrangements are valid in Britain only. Northern Ireland has a separate licence scheme." 'nuff said... 
Story source: BBC - Car hire industry says DVLA is 'rushing in' new rules
