Cue.................pssing on strawberries!
The DVLA data base is now available on PNC. I have to say its pretty damm good, almost as good as the vehicle Insurance data base.
Personally i am quite cynical about anyone that produces a licence or Insurance certificate at the side of the road. I think any bobby worth their salt would /should check the data base.......its suprising what it says, and make a judgement on that!
As you have said people have duplicate licences, and also take out insurance to get the certificate posted....then cancel payment!
Obviously we treat all road users with the same amount of equality/diversity, so it matters not to me if you are from Mars, you need Ins and a licence.............oh and not one bought from a service station, or created on a home computer!