Older drivers among those facing vehicle tax hikes from April

The changes range from driving test assessments to cognitive tests, eyesight checks and more, it has been warned, as we head beyond Christmas.
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Drivers across the UK face vehicle tax hikes in just a few weeks under Government changes. And the new rates will affect some older motorists.

New tax rates are being introduced for owners of all electric vehicles (EVs). First-year tax rates are also increasing for owners of new cars.

All EV owners will be affected by the changes, including older drivers. Existing EV drivers, who have cars registered after April 2017, will have to pay a yearly rate of £195, bringing them into line with petrol and diesel owners. They have previously been exempt from paying vehicle tax, meaning EV owners are losing a major perk.

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Owners of new EVs registered after April 2025 will pay a £10 charge for the first year before moving up to the standard rate after that. It's not just owners of electric models who will have to pay more.

Those buying new cars in their first year of registration will face higher charges for the first 12 months. First-year rates are always higher, but costs are being hiked significantly depending on the type of car.

Those with higher emissions levels will be subject to bigger charges and some petrol and diesel owners will see costs double. It's part of efforts by the Government to convince more motorists to switch to cleaner cars.

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The Government said: "From April 1, 2025, registered keepers of electric, zero or low emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as registered keepers of petrol and diesel vehicles. This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles.

"This new measure removes band A under the existing VED system which is currently £0. Vehicles in this band will be required to move to the first band where a rate becomes payable."