The DVLA’s new online system to check driving licences following the elimination of the paper counterpart, raised hundreds of complaints yesterday after their system crashed during the first day of the launch.

Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the BVRLA, said: "The online system being offered by the DVLA is far from ideal and the car rental industry is working with it as best it can. We are confident that our members will keep their GB licence holder customers up-to-date with any new procedures, which should minimise any disruption for travellers."

“Customers can take extra precautions by ensuring that their rental company has access to their endorsement information – available via the DVLA’s Share Driving Licence service or its call centre.”

DVLA chief executive Oliver Morley yesterday told the Independent: "We are currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for this service.

"We are aware some customers are experiencing issues with the website and we are working very hard to resolve this as quickly as possible. We are sorry for any inconvenience."

Green Motion would like to remind all drivers to have their checking code or printable summary in advance of arriving at the rental desk.