DVLA issues 'five minute' warning to drivers over April rule change

The DVLA has issued a "five minute" warning to millions of drivers over an April rule change. The DVLA spoke out on Twitter, now rebranded as X, after car tax bands and VED rates were shaken up and hiked in early April amid the Cost of Living crisis.

Drivers are able to see their driver data through the DVLA's "Driver and vehicles" account, showing their driving record, penalty points, MOT renewal dates, tax rates and more. Taking to social media, the DVLA siad: "With a Driver and vehicles account, you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email!

"Make life a little easier, it only takes around five minutes." On its website, the DVLA - which stands for the Driving and Vehicles Licensing Agency - has shared a guide over how to sign up for a "Driver and vehicles" account.

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It says: "Use your account to check your details held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You can view your driving record, for example vehicles you can drive, check your penalty points or disqualifications and add and view details of your vehicles - including when the MOT expires."

You can also check the tax rates for your vehicles, set up vehicle tax reminders by email and SMS - if you pay tax every 6 or 12 months, choose to stop getting vehicle tax reminders by post and also renew your photocard driving licence, the DVLA says.

"To use this service you must have one of the following: a driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales and a vehicle log book (V5C) in your name," the DVLA added. It said: "You need a UK passport or the document you used to set up your online immigration status.

"You cannot set up vehicle tax reminders if you pay by direct debit."