DVLA considers 'huge rule changes' and calls for motorists to 'share their views'

The DVLA is considering huge changes to rules that have 'largely remained the same since the 1980s'

The DVLA is considering making huge changes to rules that have 'largely remained the same since the 1980s'. Motorists have been asked to 'share their views' as part of a consultation - and have until July 4 to get involved.

The Department for Transport wants to see how classic and historic cars could be preserved for future generations. Drivers, classic car enthusiasts and mechanics have all been asked to get involved with plans to bring historic vehicles into the 21st century.

An eight-week consultation seeks "expert knowledge" about whether current policies need updating, in particular to reflect evolving technologies that support the restoration and rebuilding of vehicles, along with vehicles that are being converted to electric. Those in the know will also be asked for suggestions to improve the registration process for classic vehicles.

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Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come. Alongside our record £8.3billion increase to resurface local roads and the 30-point Plan for Drivers, the Call for Evidence is the latest part of the Government’s plan to back drivers, support skilled jobs, and grow the economy.”

Julie Lennard, Chief Executive Officer at the DVLA, added: “As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date. This is one of the many ways we are looking to make things easier and simpler for our customers and we want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.”

Currently anyone converting an older car to electric power is required to re-register it. Depending on the extent of the work, the newly converted EV may fall under the rules for rebuilt vehicles or radically altered vehicles, meaning it could have to pass safety standards for modern vehicles and go through a lot of checks and rules.

Those who want to get involved in the consultation can do so here. People have until 11.59pm on July 4 to have their say.