>>>So you only need a 'code' to hire abroad?
No. All of the publicity about the matter (generated by bodies such as the AA and published across the media) seems to relate to hiring cars abroad but the information in the video (which is from the official Gov.uk website) applies whenever anyone has a legitimate interest in checking how many points you've got on your licence, irrespective of whether that's an an overseas hire company, a UK hire company or a prospective employer. If you have to prove how many points you've got (or not got) on your licence, you'll still need to get a code.
>>>why do you need a code when any car hire firm can just put your details in to the first link provided by Hopkirk?
Because the Data Protection Act makes it an offence for anyone, other than the licence-holder, to use that link to obtain information.
>>>Buenchico, your ease in aquiring hire car vehicles baffles me
Simply get a mate to hire it for you!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3101081/Pictured-Driver-18-boasting-hits-142mph-night-killed-innocent-motorist-drove-high-powered-Audi-red-light.html