The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is issuing a new driving licence. The general appearance of the licence is very similar to the old style plastic licence issued since 1998. The paper licence will remain the same.

However, the new licence, made entirely from polycarbonate, does have a number of enhanced security features not available on the older licence. One of the main differences between the two is the new version has a black and white photograph while the older version had a colour one.

Other new features include a change in the way personal details are displayed, photograph validation dates, holographic feature and driver numbers. For full details on the new style card visit: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DG_068315