The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a timely reminder to motorists across the UK
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a crucial message to motorists across the UK. The Government body, which oversees more than 46 million vehicle records, posted its tax reminder on X just yesterday.
“You must tax your vehicle, even if you don’t have to pay anything,” the message read. “Tax it online at http://gov.uk/dvla/tax.” The vehicle tax you owe mainly depends on factors like engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions, all determined by your vehicle’s registration date.
The RAC states that the average driver will pay approximately £195 in car tax this year, although individual amounts may differ. “Cars first registered on or after 1 April 2017 are taxed against one of three VED bands – zero, standard or premium,” RAC guidance reads.
“For cars registered between 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017, the rates are split into different CO2 bands – the lower the tailpipe emissions, the lower the vehicle tax.
“In order to tax a vehicle, suitable car insurance cover must be in place, while the vehicle must also have a valid MOT if it is over three years old (four years in Northern Ireland). Both are checked electronically when you apply for car tax.”
Drivers caught using an untaxed vehicle on public roads could face a fine of either £1,000 or five times the amount of tax due, whichever is greater. Learn more about the car tax you may owe on GOV.UK. Usually, you’ll need a reference number from your vehicle log book (V5C), which must be in your name, or the green ‘new keeper’ slip if you’ve recently bought the vehicle.
If you lack these documents, you’ll need to request a new logbook. You can also handle your vehicle tax at the same time. Sometimes, a recent vehicle tax reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter from DVLA may include the reference number.
Motorists seeking assistance can call the DVLA at 0300 123 4321 via its 24-hour service or visit a local Post Office that handles vehicle tax. Alternatively, to receive automatic reminders, you can set up a Driver and Vehicles account on GOV.UK to get emails or texts.
In addition, the DVLA also recently reminded drivers aged 70 and over to keep their driving licences current. Usually, the agency sends reminders before a person’s 70th birthday and each time their permit requires renewal.
Current regulations specify that elderly drivers are not required to retake their driving test at age 70. However, they must submit a health declaration before obtaining their new licence.
Anyone with medical conditions or disabilities might need a driving assessment. For licence renewal applications, those over 70 typically must submit these details:
- A valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo)
- An email address
- Addresses of where you’ve lived for the last three years
- National Insurance number (if you know it)
For more information, head to GOV.UK.
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