The standard paper driving licence is being phased out, and after summer 1998, all new licences issued in the UK will carry a photograph of the holder.

If a holder has driving convictions, the details will appear on an attachment to the licence, and the documents must be kept together in a special wallet.

The new credit card sized plastic licences will be valid throughout the European Union and show the stars of the European flag with a UK detail.

Present licences are still valid, but holders who ask for replacements or alterations - for example, when there is a change of address -- will be issued with the new version.

The Department of Transport says that the new form of licence will make it much more difficult for people to take part in fraudulent driving tests.

Minister for Transport, Dr Gavin Strang, said: "The new style licences are good news for motorists. The inclusion of a photograph will help eliminate impersonation at driving tests and greatly assist with law enforcement by reducing driving licence abuse.

The change should make it harder for people to cheat by taking the test for someone else becuase the provisional licence will also have a photo of the holder.

The card could be used for identification purposes, but the Home Office has made it clear that there are no plans to use the driving licence in this way or to introduce an ID card.

Driving licences with photos have been issued in Northern Ireland for some time. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will issue full details about the new arrangements next spring.
 

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