Public access to International Driving Permits (IDPs) has been cut under the DVLA’s decision to switch from availability in Post Office branches to PayPoint stores, data suggests.

When the contract switched on 1 April, PayPoint had promised IDPs would be available “across its extensive network of retailer partners across the UK.”

However, many customers complained of longer journeys, and analysis by Better Retailing showed just eight PayPoint shops within London’s M25 are able to issue IDPs. This means the city has more than a million residents for every participating shop. Based on current usage, this would equate to each of the eight sites having to process 7,500 permits per year.

In comparison, a Post Office spokesperson confirmed to Better Retailing that it had nearly 300 branches in London providing the IDP service at the time its DVLA contract ended. The Post Office added it had a total of nearly 3,000 branches offering the service, with 97% of the UK population within 10 miles of a participating site.

Read more Post Office news

Other major cities such as Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh have three or less participating PayPoint sites each, while one rural postcode in Wales showed a near 40-mile round trip to the nearest store now providing the service.

IDPs are required or recommended for those with a UK driving licence to drive in more than 140 countries. Approximately 300,000 IDPs are issued per year.

Complaints

One customer complained to PayPoint: “We are having a rubbish time with IDPs since you’ve taken over.  Of three “local” places listed on your website as doing them, one has point blank said they aren’t, another hasn’t received the paperwork (three weeks since you’ve taken the contract on), and the last did it wrong.”

Another reacted: “Thanks DVLA for making it even more harder to obtain an International Driving Permit. Access to a participating paypoint is a joke – I’m being made to travel miles to get one.”

When challenged by Better Retailing, a DVLA spokesperson responded: “Currently over 95% of the population live within 10 miles of a PayPoint outlet that issues [IDPs].  This is significantly higher than the geographical coverage set out in the contract of at least 90% of the population.” 

PayPoint added:  “We will always ensure that 90% or more of the UK population is within 10 miles of a location where they can purchase an [IDP].” A breakdown by UK nations provided by PayPoint showed all countries were above the 90% target. It said the company was still recruiting retailers to expand availability of the service.

Read more PayPoint news