However, the DVLA is currently in discussion with organisations on how SMDR will be accessed to ensure security controls are robust to prevent fraud and other misuses of data.

It is understood that employers may still need to be able to demonstrate data was accessed for a legitimate purpose and will still need to inform drivers they intend to request their personal driving licence data from the DVLA.

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ACFO director Julie Jenner have been working closely with the DVLA for more than 12 months on development of SMDR.

Jenner said: “We hugely welcome engagement with the DVLA and we are delighted that it has listened to our view that access should be free.”

However, the DVLA has said that while access to the new SMDR service will initially be free it will keep that position under review.