Message from the Minister

Published: 19/12/2013

December 2013

Historic vehicle owners are all too familiar with the huge amount of work required to maintain a classic or restore a barn find to its former glory. As the proud owner of a 1900 De Dion-Bouton Type E Vis a Vis, I know just how much commitment and patience is needed. Frankly anything that can reduce the workload is welcome.

That is why from 16 December 2013, DVLA has announced that motorists, many of whom will be classic car enthusiasts, will only need to declare a vehicle off road once rather than annually.

Every year around 4 million motorists have to remember to contact the DVLA for this reason and over a million of those are repeat renewals. If you are not using your classic, then there is no need to keep this obligation. All it does is create unnecessary red tape. So in future you will not have to contact DVLA again until you are ready to drive your car once more on public roads.

Of course if you move or sell the vehicle you will still need to let DVLA know, but these changes will free up much needed time to concentrate on what really matters: restoring and enjoying your historic gem.

Robert Goodwill MP

Parliamentary Under Secretary

Department for Transport