This year driving licences in the UK will all go paperless as the government continues to press ahead with its plan to digitize your motoring records.

A government spokesperson has clarified: “The reason for abolishing the counterpart is to reduce the burden on motorists.”

So will it really make your life easier? How does this all affect you?

We will answer all your questions here:

When exactly are these changes happening?

All paper counterparts will no longer be valid from 8^th June this year. The DVLA are also advising all drivers to destroy their paper counterparts. The date will be on your doorstep before you know it!

Licence issued before 1998? Do you need to get a new one?

Your licence will still be valid until it is due for renewal.

The next time you need to update your name, address or renew your licence, you will be issued with a photocard only. So no immediate action needed.

How can you check your driving record if you need to?

All of your details will be compiled on to an online database that you will be able to access anytime.

If you do prefer things a little more 20^th century though you can still request your records either by telephone or post.

How will the business owners and employers of the UK be affected?

A similar site for employers, allowing them to check the driving details of possible employees, is planned for launch at some point this year. A date has not yet been released.

Oh and the change will also save you from paying £20 if you need to replace a lost or damaged paper counterpart.

To save even more money, why not check out all of CVSL’s latest offers here.