Data protection

The Data Protection Act

The Data Protection Act 2018 controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.

The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles’. They must make sure the information is:

used fairly, lawfully and transparently

used for specified, explicit purposes

used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary

accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date

kept for no longer than is necessary

handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage

There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as:

race

ethnic background

political opinions

religious beliefs

trade union membership

genetics

biometrics (where used for identification)

health

sex life or orientation

There are separate safeguards for personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences.

Your rights

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to find out what information the government and other organisations store about you. These include the right to:

be informed about how your data is being used

access personal data

have incorrect data updated

have data erased

stop or restrict the processing of your data

data portability (allowing you to get and reuse your data for different services)

object to how your data is processed in certain circumstances

You also have rights when an organisation is using your personal data for:

automated decision-making processes (without human involvement)

profiling, for example to predict your behaviour or interests

Find out what data an organisation has about you

Write to an organisation to ask for a copy of the information they hold about you.

If it’s a public organisation, write to their Data Protection Officer (DPO). Their details should be on the organisation’s privacy notice.

If the organisation has no DPO, or you do not know who to write to, address your letter to the company secretary.

How long it should take

The organisation must give you a copy of the data they hold about you as soon as possible, and within 1 month at most.

In certain circumstances, for example particularly complex or multiple requests, the organisation can take a further 2 months to provide data. In this case, they must tell you:

within 1 month of your request

why there’s a delay

When information can be withheld

There are some situations when organisations are allowed to withhold information, for example if the information is about:

the prevention, detection or investigation of a crime

national security or the armed forces

the assessment or collection of tax

judicial or ministerial appointments

An organisation does not have to say why they’re withholding information.

How much it costs

Requests for information are usually free. However, organisations can charge an administrative cost in some circumstances, for example if:

you’re asking for a large amount of information

your request will take a lot of time and effort to process

Make a complaint

If you think your data has been misused or that the organisation holding it has not kept it secure, you should contact them and tell them.

If you’re unhappy with their response or if you need any advice you should contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

You can also chat online with an advisor.

The ICO can investigate your claim and take action against anyone who’s misused personal data.

You can also visit their website for information on how to make a data protection complaint.


Disability rights

Overview

As a disabled person, you have rights to protect you from discrimination. These rights cover most areas including:

employment

education

dealing with the police

The Equality Act 2010 and the United Nations (UN) Convention on disability rights help to enforce, protect and promote your rights.

Employment

It’s against the law for employers to discriminate against you because of a disability. The Equality Act 2010 protects you and covers areas including:

application forms

interview arrangements

aptitude or proficiency tests

job offers

terms of employment, including pay

promotion, transfer and training opportunities

dismissal or redundancy

discipline and grievances

Reasonable adjustments in the workplace

An employer has to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to avoid you being put at a disadvantage compared to non-disabled people in the workplace. For example, adjusting your working hours or providing you with a special piece of equipment to help you do the job.

Recruitment

An employer who’s recruiting staff may make limited enquiries about your health or disability.

You can only be asked about your health or disability:

to help decide if you can carry out a task that is an essential part of the work

to help find out if you can take part in an interview

to help decide if the interviewers need to make reasonable adjustments for you in a selection process

to help monitoring

if they want to increase the number of disabled people they employ

if they need to know for the purposes of national security checks

You may be asked whether you have a health condition or disability on an application form or in an interview. You need to think about whether the question is one that is allowed to be asked at that stage of recruitment.

Redundancy and retirement

You can’t be chosen for redundancy just because you’re disabled. The selection process for redundancy must be fair and balanced for all employees.

Your employer cannot force you to retire if you become disabled.

Education

It’s against the law for a school or other education provider to treat disabled students unfavourably. This includes:

direct discrimination, for example refusing admission to a student or excluding them because of disability

indirect discrimination, for example only providing application forms in one format that may not be accessible

discrimination arising from a disability, for example a disabled pupil is prevented from going outside at break time because it takes too long to get there

harassment, for example a teacher shouts at a disabled student for not paying attention when the student’s disability stops them from easily concentrating

victimisation, for example suspending a disabled student because they’ve complained about harassment

Reasonable adjustments

An education provider has a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure disabled students are not discriminated against. These changes could include providing extra support and aids (like specialist teachers or equipment).

Schools are not subject to the reasonable adjustment duty to make alterations to physical features, like adding ramps. They must make the buildings accessible for their disabled pupils as part of their overall planning duties.

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

All publicly funded pre-schools, nurseries, state schools and local authorities must try to identify and help assess children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

If a child has an an education, health and care (EHC) plan or a statement of special educational needs, these must be reviewed annually. From year 9 the child will get a full review to understand what support they will need to prepare them for adulthood.

Higher education

All universities and higher education colleges should have a person in charge of disability issues that you can talk to about the support they offer.

You can also ask local social services for an assessment to help with your day-to-day living needs.

Police

If you’re being questioned or interviewed at a police station you have certain rights depending on your impairment.

Deaf, hearing-impaired or speech difficulties

The police should arrange for an interpreter to be present with you. The police can interview you without an interpreter if a delay would result in harm to people, property or evidence.

Learning disabilities

The police should only interview someone who has a learning disability when a responsible person (referred to as an ‘appropriate adult’) is present. The appropriate adult should not work for the police and should have experience of people with learning disabilities. The police can interview you without an appropriate adult if a delay would result in harm to people, property or evidence.

Right to medical treatment

If you’re being kept in a police cell, you have the right to a medical examination by a healthcare worker. A healthcare worker may be a paramedic, nurse or a police surgeon (sometimes referred to as a ‘Forensic Medical Examiner’).

If you do not want to be examined by the healthcare worker provided, you could be examined by a general practitioner (GP) that you choose - if they’re available. You may have to pay for this, and this payment will be noted down.

The Equality Act 2010 and UN Convention

The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination. It provides legal rights for you in the areas of:

employment

education

access to goods, services and facilities

buying and renting land or property

The Equality Act 2010 also protects your rights if you have an association with a disabled person, for example a carer or parent.

Get more information about the Equality Act 2010.

The UN Convention on disability rights has been agreed by the UK to protect and promote the rights of disabled people.

Get more information about the UN Convention on disability rights from the Office for Disability Issues.

Further help and advice

Check if you can get legal aid to help with your legal costs if you think you’ve been discriminated against. You can get advice from Civil Legal Advice if you’re eligible.

You can get advice and information on your rights from:

Equality Advisory Support Service

Disability Rights UK

Advicenow

Citizens Advice


Discrimination: your rights

Types of discrimination ('protected characteristics')

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:

age

gender reassignment

being married or in a civil partnership

being pregnant or on maternity leave

disability

race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin

religion or belief

sex

sexual orientation

These are called ‘protected characteristics’.

You’re protected from discrimination:

at work

in education

as a consumer

when using public services

when buying or renting property

as a member or guest of a private club or association

You’re legally protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010.

You’re also protected from discrimination if:

you’re associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, for example a family member or friend

you’ve complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim

Action against discrimination

You can do something voluntarily to help people with a protected characteristic. This is called ‘positive action’.

Taking positive action is legal if people with a protected characteristic:

are at a disadvantage

have particular needs

are under-represented in an activity or type of work

How you can be discriminated against

Discrimination can come in one of the following forms:

direct discrimination - treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others

indirect discrimination - putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage

harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them

victimisation - treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment

It can be lawful to have specific rules or arrangements in place, as long as they can be justified.

Discrimination at work

The law protects you against discrimination at work, including:

dismissal

employment terms and conditions

pay and benefits

promotion and transfer opportunities

training

recruitment

redundancy

Some forms of discrimination are only allowed if they’re needed for the way the organisation works, for example:

a Roman Catholic school restricting applications for admission of pupils to Catholics only

employing only women in a health centre for Muslim women

Disability

If you’re disabled you have the same rights as other workers. Employers should also make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help disabled employees and job applicants with:

application forms, for example providing forms in Braille or audio formats

aptitude tests, for example giving extra time to complete the tests

dismissal or redundancy

discipline and grievances

interview arrangements, such as providing wheelchair access, communicator support

making sure the workplace has the right facilities and equipment for disabled workers or someone offered a job

promotion, transfer and training opportunities

terms of employment, including pay

work-related benefits like access to recreation or refreshment facilities

What you can do

If you’re discriminated against at work there are ways to deal with it.

Employers have to follow the law on preventing discrimination at work.

Other types of unfair treatment

You’re also protected from being treated unfairly because of:

trade union membership or non-membership

being a fixed-term or part-time worker

What you can do

If you think you’ve been unfairly discriminated against you can:

complain directly to the person or organisation

use someone else to help you sort it out (called ‘mediation’ or ‘alternative dispute resolution’)

make a claim in a court or tribunal

Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service for help and advice.

Discrimination at work

Employees should talk to their employer first to try and sort out the problem informally. You may also want to read about workplace disputes.

If things cannot be sorted out informally, talk to Acas, Citizens Advice or a trade union representative.

You might be able to take a claim to an employment tribunal for discrimination.

Check if you can get legal aid to help with your legal costs if you think you’ve been discriminated against. You can get advice from Civil Legal Advice if you’re eligible.

Employers must follow the law on preventing discrimination at work.


How to make a freedom of information (FOI) request

Overview

You have the right to ask to see recorded information held by public authorities.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act (FOISA) give you the right to see information.

If you ask for environmental information, your request will be handled under the Environmental Regulations (EIRs) or Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations (EISRs).

Environmental information includes things like carbon emissions or the environment’s effect on human health.

You do not need to tell the organisation which law or regulations you’re making your request under.

Personal information

There is a different way to make a request if you want information that an organisation holds about you. This includes things like your health records or credit reference files.

Organisations you can ask for information

You can request information from some public authorities, such as:

government departments, devolved administrations, other public bodies and committees

local councils

schools, colleges and universities

the NHS - including hospitals, GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians

publicly owned companies

publicly funded museums, galleries and theatres

the police and fire services

registered social landlords in Scotland

You can make an environmental information request to private or public companies that have public responsibilities - like water companies.

If you’re not sure if the organisation is one you can make a request to, check with the information commissioner for:

Scottish public authorities - you can search on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website

England, Wales or Northern Ireland and organisations that cover the whole of the UK - contact the Information Commissioner’s Office

How to make an FOI request

You must make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request in writing. You can do it by:

letter

email

social media

online form - check the organisation’s website or the government department’s page to see if they have an online form

fax

If you cannot make your request in writing because of a disability, contact the public authority. They should help you to make the request another way - for example over the phone.

You can ask for environmental information in writing, in person or by phone.

Before you make a request

You might not need to make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request if the organisation has:

already published the information

previously responded to an FOI request

Check their website for responses to previous FOI requests. This is sometimes known as a ‘disclosure log’. You can search for published responses to FOI requests from government departments, agencies and arms length bodies.

You can also email or phone the organisation to ask if they’ve already published the information or responded to an FOI request.

What to include

You should give:

your name (not needed if you’re asking for environmental information)

a contact postal or email address

a detailed description of the information you want - for example, you might want all information held on a subject, or just a summary

You can ask for information in a particular format, such as:

paper or electronic copies of information

audio format

large print

When you’ll get a response

The organisation should send you the information within 20 working days of receiving your request. Some schools are allowed more time during school holidays.

In Scotland, you should allow 6 extra days if you send your request by post.

The organisation will tell you when to expect the information if they need more time.

When your information will be shared

If you’ve sent an FOI request to several government departments, they may share your name and request between them. This is to help deal with your enquiry more effectively.

No other details will be shared and your information will not be used for any other purpose.

Costs

Most requests are free but you might be asked to pay a small amount for photocopies or postage. The organisation will tell you if you have to pay anything.

Check the copyright status of information you receive if you plan to reproduce it.

If your request is turned down

Some sensitive information is not available to members of the public. If this applies, an organisation must tell you why they cannot give you some or all of the information you requested.

They might ask you to be more specific so they can provide just the information you need.

An organisation can also refuse your Freedom of Information (FOI) request if getting information will cost more than £450, or £600 if the organisation is:

a government department, Parliament or part of the armed forces

the Northern Ireland Assembly or the Welsh Assembly

based in Scotland

An organisation can refuse your request for environmental information, if they think the cost of getting the information is too high.

Reviews and complaints

If an organisation does not provide you with the information you requested, you should first ask them to review their decision.

If you’re not satisfied with the organisation’s response, you can complain or appeal to the information commissioner for:

England, Wales or Northern Ireland and organisations that cover the whole of the UK - complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office

Scottish public authorities - make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner


Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults

Overview

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people.

You can only apply for DLA if you’re under 16. You can apply for:

PIP if you’re aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age

Attendance Allowance if you’re State Pension age or older and do not get DLA

If you already get DLA, your claim might end. You’ll get a letter telling you when this will happen and how you can apply for PIP.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If you already get DLA

If you were born on or before 8 April 1948, you’ll continue to get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as long as you’re eligible for it.

If you were born after 8 April 1948, your DLA will end. You’ll get a letter telling you when that will happen. You’ll continue to get DLA until that date.

Unless your circumstances change, you do not need to do anything until you get this letter.

If your DLA claim is ending

If your DLA is ending, you’ll get a letter inviting you to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you do apply, you’ll need to do it within 28 days.

DLA will continue to be paid until at least 28 days after a decision is made about your PIP application.

If you’re eligible for PIP, you’ll start getting PIP payments as soon as your DLA payments end.

Change of circumstances

You must contact the Disability Service Centre if your circumstances change, as this may affect how much DLA you get. For example:

the level of help you need or your condition changes

you go into hospital or a care home for more than 4 weeks

you go abroad for more than 13 weeks

you’re imprisoned or held in detention

You must also contact the centre if:

you change your name, address or bank details

you want to stop receiving your benefit

your doctor’s details change

You may be asked to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after you report a change to your circumstances.

You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.

If you’ve been paid too much

You may have to repay the money if you:

did not report a change straight away

gave wrong information

were overpaid by mistake

Find out how to repay the money you owe from benefit overpayment.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your DLA claim. This is called asking for ‘mandatory reconsideration’.

DLA rates

You can no longer apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if you’re 16 or over. You might be able to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.

DLA is made up of 2 components (parts), the ‘care component’ and the ‘mobility component’. To get DLA you must be eligible for at least one of the components.

How much DLA you get depends on how your disability or health condition affects you.

If you need help looking after yourself

You might get the care component of DLA if you:

need help with things like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or communicating your needs

need supervision to avoid putting yourself or others in danger

need someone with you when you’re on dialysis

cannot prepare a cooked main meal

You can get this part if no one is actually giving you the care you need, or you live alone.

Care component | Weekly rate | Level of help you need

Lowest | £23.70 | Help for some of the day or with preparing cooked meals

Middle | £60.00 | Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, supervision at night or someone to help you while on dialysis

Highest | £89.60 | Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or you’re terminally ill

If you get DLA and Constant Attendance Allowance, the care component of your DLA will be reduced by the amount of Constant Attendance Allowance you get.

If you have walking difficulties

You might get the mobility component of DLA if, when using your normal aid, you:

cannot walk

can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort

could become very ill if you try to walk

You might also get it if you:

have no feet or legs

are assessed as 100% blind and at least 80% deaf and you need someone with you when outdoors

are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and get the highest rate of care for DLA

need supervision most of the time when walking outdoors

are certified as severely sight impaired and you were aged between 3 and 64 on 11 April 2011

Mobility component | Weekly rate | Level of help you need

Lower | £23.70 | Guidance or supervision outdoors

Higher | £62.55 | You have any other, more severe, walking difficulty

You must contact the Disability Service Centre if your circumstances change, for example your condition improves or you need more help.

Assessments

You might get a letter saying you need to attend an assessment to check the level of help you need. The letter explains why, and where you must go. Your benefit may be stopped if you do not go.

At the assessment, you’ll be asked for identification. You can use a passport or any 3 of the following:

birth certificate

a full driving licence

life assurance policy

bank statements

How you’re paid

DLA is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Wednesday.

If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you will usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal.

All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

Extra help

You could get extra benefits if you get Disability Living Allowance - check with the Disability Service Centre or the office dealing with your benefit.

If your disability or health condition stops you from working and you’re eligible for Universal Credit, you could get an extra amount on top of your Universal Credit standard allowance.

If you get DLA and you work, you might also be able to get the disability element of Working Tax Credit (up to £3,220 a year, or up to £4,610 if your disability is severe). Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to find out.


Medical conditions, disabilities and driving

Telling DVLA about a medical condition or disability

You must tell DVLA if you have a driving licence and:

you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability

a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence

Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely. They can include:

diabetes or taking insulin

syncope (fainting)

heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)

sleep apnoea

epilepsy

strokes

glaucoma

How to tell DVLA

Check if you need to tell DVLA about your condition to find the forms or questionnaires you need. The address you need is on the forms.

If you’re in Northern Ireland you must contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

There are different forms for different conditions and disabilities.

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure what to do.

You could be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.

Surrendering your licence

You must surrender your licence to DVLA if any of the following are true:

your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more

your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more

you do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition

You can apply to get your licence back when you meet the medical standards for driving again.

First licence or renewal if you’re 70 or over

You must also tell DVLA about notifiable conditions if you:

apply for your first licence

renew your licence (if you’re 70 or over)

You’ll be asked for this information in your application form. You do not need to contact DVLA separately.

What happens after you tell DVLA

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 weeks. You’ll get a letter from DVLA if it’s going to take longer.

DVLA might:

contact your doctor or consultant

arrange for you to be examined

ask you to take a driving assessment, or an eyesight or driving test

You can usually keep driving while DVLA are considering your application.

If you’ve told DVLA about a condition when applying to renew your licence, follow the guidance about driving that’s in the form.

Contact DVLA if you need advice or to check on your case.

What DVLA will decide

DVLA will assess your medical condition or disability and decide if:

you need to get a new driving licence

you can have a shorter licence - for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years

you need to adapt your car by fitting special controls

you must stop driving and give up your licence

You need to adapt your vehicle

If you’ve been told that you must adapt your car, you get an independent assessment of your adaptation needs through Driving Mobility.

Find out more about adapting your vehicle and where to get special controls fitted through the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers.

You must stop driving

You’ll be given a medical reason why you must stop driving, and be told if and when you can reapply for your licence.

If you disagree with DVLA’s decision

You can write to DVLA if you disagree with the decision to stop you driving. You must be able to provide relevant information that was not included in the original assessment.

You must also include:

proof that you meet the required standards for driving (these are explained in the decision letter DVLA sent you)

the reference number from your decision letter

You can also appeal the decision if you contact your local magistrate’s court within 6 months, or your local sheriff’s court in Scotland within 21 days.

You may want to get legal advice before you appeal - you might be able to get legal aid to pay for it.

You must tell DVLA in writing if you choose to appeal.

Make a complaint

You can make a complaint if you’re unhappy with the service you get from DVLA.

Renewing or reapplying for your licence

How you reapply for or renew your licence depends on if you had to give up your licence, or if you have a short-term licence.

You’ve got a short-term licence

DVLA will send you a renewal letter 90 days before your 1, 2, 3 or 5-year licence is due to expire.

Renew your licence online, or send the renewal reminder back by post.

You gave up your licence and stopped driving

The letter DVLA sends you when your licence is taken away tells you if you have to wait before you can reapply.

You must check with your doctor that you’re fit to drive before you reapply for your licence, if it was taken away because of a medical condition.


Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules

Overview

You do not need a licence to drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you may have to register it. Only certain types can be driven on the road. The law calls these types of vehicles ‘invalid carriages’.

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs come in 2 categories:

‘class 2 invalid carriages’ - these cannot be used on the road (except where there is not a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph

‘class 3 invalid carriages’ - these can be used on the road, and have a maximum speed of 4mph off the road, and 8mph on the road

You do not need to register a class 2 invalid carriage.

You must register class 3 invalid carriages.

You must be 14 or over to drive a class 3 invalid carriage.

Rules for class 3 invalid carriages

The law calls mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs that can be used on the road ‘class 3 invalid carriages’. They must have the following features:

a maximum unladen weight of 150kg

a maximum width of 0.85 metres

a device to limit its speed to 4mph

a maximum speed of 8mph

an efficient braking system

front and rear lights and reflectors

direction indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signal

an audible horn

a rear view mirror

an amber flashing light if it’s used on a dual carriageway

You could be stopped by the police if your class 3 invalid carriage does not have these features.

Driving on the road

You can only drive on the road in a class 3 invalid carriage. The maximum speed is 8mph.

You cannot drive on bus lanes, ‘cycle only’ lanes or motorways. Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph.

You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway.

Road rules

You must follow the Highway Code if you drive your mobility scooter on the road.

Driving on footpaths and parking

All mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can legally travel at a maximum of 4mph on footpaths or in pedestrian areas.

You cannot drive any type of mobility scooter or powered wheelchair on cycle paths marked ‘cycle only’.

Parking

All normal parking restrictions apply to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Your vehicle should not be left on a footpath or pedestrian area on its own if it gets in the way of other pedestrians, including wheelchair users and people with prams or pushchairs.

Eyesight requirements

There is no legal eyesight requirement to drive mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs, but you should be able to read a car’s registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet).

You must check that you can still do this regularly.

You might have to pay compensation if you have an accident and poor eyesight was part of the cause.

Who can use them

You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you:

have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition

are demonstrating the vehicle before it’s sold

are training a disabled user

are taking the vehicle to or from maintenance or repair

Vehicle tax, registration and insurance

You do not have to pay vehicle tax for any mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if it’s registered as a ‘class 3 invalid carriage’.

Check whether a vehicle is registered as an ‘invalid carriage’ by asking the seller when you buy it.

Change the owner’s details when you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair

When you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, the seller will make you the ‘registered keeper’. This means the vehicle will be in your name. You’ll get a new vehicle log book (V5C) in the post within 4 weeks of the sale.

If you do not get a new vehicle log book 4 weeks after the sale, fill in an ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’ (V62) and send it to DVLA.

Change your name or address

If you need to change your name or address, fill in section 6 of your vehicle log book and send it to DVLA.

If your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair is not a registered vehicle

Most scooters and wheelchairs will already be registered by the dealer or manufacturer before you buy them.

If your vehicle is not registered, register it by filling in:

form V55/4 for new vehicles

form V55/5 for used vehicles

Insurance

You do not need insurance for a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, although it’s recommended.


Transport support services for disabled people

Trains

You can give National Rail train companies advance notice if you think you’ll need any help from staff.

You can also check if a station has accessible facilities.

Wheelchairs on trains

On mainline (intercity, suburban and cross-country) trains there’s space for your wheelchair. Put your chair in this space and use the brakes (or switch your wheelchair’s power off) when the train’s moving.

How to get help

All licensed train companies must be able to tell you:

what services and facilities are available

how to get assistance - including when there are disruptions

This is called an Accessible Travel Policy (ATP). You can get a copy of an ATP from the train company.

Disabled person’s railcard

If you’re eligible you can get up to a third off rail tickets by applying for a disabled person’s railcard. You must provide evidence of a relevant disability.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the train company directly.

If you cannot resolve the complaint, you may be able to complain to the Rail Ombudsman. They can only consider complaints about companies that have joined the Rail Ombudsman scheme.

Planes

Tell your airline at least 48 hours before departure if you’ll need help.

Airlines and airports have different facilities for disabled people. Find out from your airport or airline if they have the facilities you need, for example a toilet with disabled access.

Help at the airport

If you have a sensory, physical or learning disability which affects your mobility when using transport, at airports in the UK and EU you have the right to:

help at specific arrival points, such as at terminal entrances, at transport interchanges and in car parks

help to reach check-in

help with registration at check-in

help with moving through the airport if you need it, including to toilets

help to board the plane

You’ll also have the right to help because of your age or a temporary illness or injury - for example if you’ve broken your leg and it’s in a cast.

You can travel with up to 2 items of mobility equipment free of charge if you’re disabled. This will not count as part of your baggage allowance.

Help on the plane

If you have a sensory, physical or learning disability which affects your mobility on a flight, in the UK and EU you have the right to:

get information about your flight in a way you understand it

help to find a seat that is suited to your needs

help to move around the plane, including to toilets

Taking your wheelchair on the plane

You cannot take your own wheelchair into the passenger cabin of a plane - it will be stored in the hold. Speak to your airline to find out what help they’ll provide when boarding.

Tell your airline, travel agent or tour operator as soon as possible if you’re taking on a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid.

Travelling with a companion

You must travel with a companion if you’re not self reliant, for example if you need help with feeding, breathing, using medication or using the toilet.

The airline you’re flying with will do their best to make sure you sit next to each other, so long as you tell them at least 48 hours before departure.

Travelling with an assistance dog

You have the right to travel with your assistance dog. You’ll need to follow the rules on pet travel.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the airport or airline directly.

If you cannot resolve the problem with them, you can complain to either:

an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body

the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if the airline or airport does not have an agreement with an ADR

Cars, buses and coaches

Find out what you need to do if you’re driving and you have a medical condition or disability, for example learning to drive and getting insured.

You may be able to get a Blue Badge so you can park closer to where you want to go.

The Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme can help you with leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.

Buses and coaches

You can get a bus pass for free travel if you’re disabled. Passes from councils in England can be used anywhere in England:

at any time on a Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday

from 9:30am to 11pm on any other day

For travel outside of these times, contact the relevant council.

Help getting on and off

The law says bus and coach drivers must give reasonable assistance to disabled people, for example by helping them get on and off the bus or coach. This does not mean physically lifting passengers or heavy mobility equipment.

If you need help to get on and off a coach, you should ask for this when you book your ticket.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the bus or coach service operator directly.

If you cannot resolve the problem with the operator, contact:

Bus Users UK for complaints about services outside of London

London TravelWatch for complaints about services in London

your local government ombudsman for complaints about bus passes

Taxis and minicabs

Licensed taxis can be hailed on the street, picked up at ranks or pre-booked, but you can only pre-book minicabs (also called ‘private hire vehicles’).

Wheelchair access

In some areas (mainly larger cities), licensed taxis have to be wheelchair accessible.

To find out if there are accessible taxis near you, contact the taxi licensing office at your local council.

London taxis

In London, all black cabs are wheelchair accessible.

Some of the newer ‘black cabs’ are also fitted with induction loops and intercoms for hearing aid users.

Assistance dogs

If you travel with an assistance dog they must be allowed into the taxi or minicab with you, unless the driver has an exemption certificate. This can be issued if they’ve got a medical condition made worse by contact with dogs.

A driver with an exemption certificate will have a ‘Notice of Exemption’ notice on their vehicle windscreen.

It’s illegal to be charged extra to travel in a taxi or minicab with an assistance dog. Otherwise the driver could be fined up to £1,000.

The following types of dog can be taken with you in taxis or minicabs:

guide dogs

hearing dogs

assistance dogs trained by Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs or Canine Partners

Travelling with your dog

Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have been told how to identify assistance dogs.

Your assistance dog should wear its harness or identification jacket when you are travelling with it. If an identification card was issued for the dog, this should also be carried.

Dogs should remain on the floor and under control at all times. If your dog causes any damage to the vehicle, the driver could ask you to pay for it.

Report a problem

As well as the rules on wheelchairs and assistance dogs, all taxi and minicab drivers must make sure they do not discriminate against you and cannot treat you less favourably than other customers. They should also make any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to their service for you to make your journey easier.

You should report any problems to the taxi licensing office at your local council.

Ships

You can get help if you’re disabled and travelling on any of the following:

a cruise ship that’s leaving from a port within the UK

a ferry that’s leaving from or going to a port within the UK

a local ferry service, for example by river bus

If you need to make specific arrangements for your journey (for example if you have certain accommodation or seating requirements), you should tell the cruise line, ferry service, travel agent or tour operator at least 48 hours before departure.

Travelling with a carer

You should let the cruise line or ferry service know if you need to travel with a carer. On a ferry, your carer might be able to travel for free.

Help getting on and off

Tell the cruise line or ferry service at least 48 hours before departure if you need help getting on and off the ship.

Report a problem

If you’re unhappy with the help you get, complain to the cruise line or ferry service company directly.

If it cannot be resolved you can contact an independent organisation to look into your complaint.

In England or Wales, you can contact:

Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), for complaints about ferries

London Travel Watch, for complaints about London River Bus services

Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), for complaints about cruises

In Scotland, you can contact Transport Scotland.

In Northern Ireland, you can contact the Consumer Council of Northern Ireland.

Wheelchairs

Shopmobility lends wheelchairs and powered scooters to people who are disabled so they can shop or visit leisure facilities in a town, city or shopping centre.


Recruitment and disabled people

Job specifications

The job specification (or ‘person requirements’) of a vacancy must not exclude disabled people from applying for a job.

However, some jobs may have an essential requirement that cannot be met with a reasonable adjustment.

If you reject a disabled candidate, it must be based on their performance at interview rather than having to make reasonable adjustments.

Encouraging applications

Your local Jobcentre Plus can help with:

making sure your application process is accessible

advising you about recruitment practices that open up jobs to disabled people

information about making reasonable adjustments that can help someone start or keep their job

Contact Jobcentre Plus to find out more.

Apply for the disability confident scheme

Sign up as a disability confident committed employer. When you’ve done this you can use the disability confident badge on adverts to show you encourage applications from disabled people.

Alternative formats

You must provide information about the vacancy in alternative formats (for example, large print) on request if this is reasonable. You must also accept applications in alternative formats (for example, electronically) where possible.

Reasonable adjustments

You can ask if a candidate needs an adjustment to the recruitment process to allow them to be considered for the job, or you can wait to be told.

You must make adjustments if they’re reasonable, for example allowing:

wheelchair users to have their interview on the ground floor

candidates to complete a written test using a computer

After you’ve made a job offer, you can ask what adjustments they’ll need to do the job.

You can get help paying for extra support in the workplace through an Access to Work grant but you cannot use the money for reasonable adjustments.


Towing with a car

What you can tow

The rules on what you can tow are different depending on when you passed your driving test.

View your driving licence information to see if you’re allowed to tow.

Licences issued from 1 January 1997

If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can:

drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM

tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg

MAM is the limit on how much the vehicle can weigh when it’s loaded.

You have to pass the car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.

Licences issued before 1 January 1997

If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. View your driving licence information to check.

You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.

Towing heavier combinations

Follow these steps if you want to tow heavier combinations.

Apply for provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (category C1+E).

Pass the lorry theory test.

Pass the C1+E driving test.

You need to take extra Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests if driving the medium-sized lorry is the main part of your job.

Once you’ve done this you can drive vehicles and trailers with a combined weight of up to 12,000kg MAM.

Towing weight and width limits

Most cars have a maximum weight they can tow. It’s usually listed in the handbook or specification sheet.

Alternatively the vehicle’s ‘gross train weight’ may be listed on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate on the car. This is normally under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door.

The gross train weight is the weight of the fully-loaded car plus fully-loaded trailer and must not be exceeded.

If your VIN plate doesn’t list a train weight, you should not use your vehicle for towing.

Width and length

The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 metres.

The maximum length for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg is 7 metres. This length does not include the A-frame.

Trailers, caravans and towing equipment

The equipment you use with your trailer or caravan must:

meet certain safety standards

be used correctly

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Carry out safety checks to make sure you’re using the trailer and equipment legally.

Towing bars

If you get a tow bar for your car, it needs to be ‘type approved’. This means it meets EU regulations and is designed for your car.

Type-approved tow bars have a label with:

an approval number

details of the vehicles it’s approved for

If your car was first used before 1 August 1998, your tow bar doesn’t need to be type-approved.

Towing mirrors

You must have an adequate view of the road behind you.

Fit suitable towing mirrors if your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your car.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get 3 penalty points for towing without proper towing mirrors.

Trailer or caravan brakes

Your trailer must have a working brake system if it weighs over 750kg when it’s loaded.

Some smaller trailers also have brakes, but these are optional.

Any brakes must be in good working order.

You must use a breakaway cable or secondary coupling in case the trailer becomes detached from your car.

Number plates

You must display the same number plate on your trailer as on your towing car.

If you tow more than one trailer at a time, fix the number plate to the trailer at the back.

Towing an American caravan or trailer

American trailers and caravans don’t always meet European safety regulations.

If you want to use an American caravan or trailer in the UK or the EU, you must first check that it’s legal.

Read more about brakes and couplings for American caravans and trailers.


Car and trailer driving test

Booking your test

You can book your car and trailer driving test when you’ve got a full car driving licence. You do not need to pass another theory test.

The test is sometimes called the ‘B+E test’. Check the rules to see if you need to take it.

To pass the driving test you must be able to:

drive safely in different road and traffic conditions

show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive

The national standard for driving cars tells you everything you must be able to do to pass the test. Only take your test when you can do everything without instruction.

There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have done before you book and take your test.

Change or check your test details

You can change the date of your test after you’ve booked.

You can check the details if you’ve lost the email confirmation you were sent when you booked your test.

Rebook your test

Rebook your driving test if you failed your test and want to resit it. You have to choose a date at least 10 working days away.

What to take to your test

You must take:

your UK driving licence

a car and trailer that meet the rules

a face covering, unless you have a good reason not to wear one

Your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back if you do not take the right things with you.

When you must not go to your test

You must not go to your driving test if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Wearing a face covering

You must bring and wear a face covering during your test, unless you have a good reason not to. Good reasons are things like:

having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

If you cannot wear a face covering during your test, you or your driving school must tell DVSA when booking your appointment.

You can take it off during your test if you need to avoid harm or injury.

Because of COVID-19 the car you use must have the windows open throughout the test. Wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Your driving licence

Apply for a replacement driving licence if you lose yours before your test. This could take up to 15 days to arrive.

If you do not have a photocard licence

Bring a valid passport and your paper licence.

If you have a licence from Northern Ireland

Bring the Northern Ireland photocard and paper counterpart.

What happens during the car and trailer test

There are 6 parts to the driving test:

an eyesight check

‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions

reversing your vehicle

general driving ability

independent driving

uncoupling and recoupling the trailer

You’ll drive for around 50 minutes.

Eyesight check

You’ll have to read a number plate from a distance of:

20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate

20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

New-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers, for example, AB51 ABC.

You’ll fail your driving test if you fail the eyesight check. The test will end.

‘Show me, tell me’ questions

You’ll be asked 5 vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. These test that you know how to carry out basic safety checks.

Reversing your vehicle

You’ll have to show that you can manoeuvre your car and trailer into a restricted space and stop at a certain point.

The examiner will show you a diagram of where to reverse your vehicle.

Your general driving ability

You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, including motorways where possible.

The examiner will give you directions that you should follow. Driving test routes are not published, so you cannot check them before your test.

Pulling over at the side of the road

You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:

normal stops at the side of the road

pulling out from behind a parked vehicle

a hill start

Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 10 minutes by following either:

traffic signs

a series of verbal directions

a combination of both

The examiner can show you a simple diagram to help you understand where you’re going when following verbal directions.

You cannot use a sat nav.

If you cannot see traffic signs

If you cannot see a traffic sign (for example, because it’s covered by trees), the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next one.

Forgetting the directions

You can ask the examiner to confirm the directions if you forget them. It does not matter if you do not remember every direction.

Going off the route

Your test result will not be affected if you go off the route, unless you make a fault while doing it.

The examiner will help you get back on the route if you take a wrong turning.

Uncoupling and recoupling the trailer

You’ll be asked to:

uncouple your car from the trailer

park the car alongside the trailer

realign the car with the trailer and recouple them

If you make mistakes during your test

You can carry on if you make a mistake during your driving test.

If you make a serious or dangerous mistake (sometimes called a ‘major fault’), your examiner will stop the test and direct you back to the driving test centre. This is to minimise the amount of time you need to spend in the car together.

Driving test faults and your result

There are 3 types of faults you can make:

a dangerous fault - this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property

a serious fault - something potentially dangerous

a driving fault - this is not potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault

Pass mark

You’ll pass your driving test if you make:

no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called ‘minors’)

no serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called ‘majors’)

If you pass your test

The examiner will:

tell you what faults you made, if any

give you a pass certificate

ask you if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically - give the examiner your licence if you want to do this

If you choose not to get your licence sent to you automatically, you’ve got 2 years to apply for it. After that you’ll need to take the test again.

When you can start driving

You can start towing straight away when you’ve passed your test. You do not need to wait for your full licence to arrive.

Contact DVLA if your full licence has not arrived 3 weeks after you applied for it.

If you do not pass

The examiner will tell you what faults you made.

If you want to resit the test, you’ll need to pay again to book another test.

Appeal your driving test

You can appeal your driving test if you can prove that your driving examiner did not follow the law.

Read the guidance on appealing your driving test to check if your examiner followed the law.

If you have proof they did not follow the law you can complain to the Driver and Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA).

If DVSA agrees with your complaint, your test result cannot be changed but you might get a refund or a free retest.

If DVSA does not agree with your complaint, you may be able to appeal to a court instead.

Appeal your driving test to a court

You can appeal if you can prove that your examiner did not follow the law when they carried out your test.

Your test result cannot be changed, but you might get a refund or a free retest if your appeal is successful.

You might have to pay significant legal costs if your appeal is unsuccessful.

You’ll need to appeal within:

6 months of your driving test in England and Wales

21 days of your driving test in Scotland

Check if you can appeal.

Rules for the car you use

The car that you use to tow the trailer must meet certain rules.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your car does not meet the rules.

Rules about the car

Your car must:

be taxed

be insured for a driving test (check with your insurance company)

be roadworthy and have a current MOT (if it’s over 3 years old)

have no warning lights showing, for example, the airbag warning light

have no tyre damage and the legal tread depth on each tyre

be smoke-free - this means you cannot smoke in it just before or during the test

be able to reach at least 62mph and have an mph speedometer

have 4 wheels and a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500kg

The MAM is the limit on how much the car can weigh when it’s loaded. It’ll be in the car’s handbook.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety

Because of COVID-19, you must clean the inside of your car before your test.

This means:

tidying unnecessary items from the dashboard, footwells, door pockets, cup holders and seats

wiping down the dashboard and car controls

The examiner will do an additional clean of some surfaces.

The car you use for your test must have at least one window open on each side throughout the test. Any combination of windows can be opened - for example, one from the front and one from the back. Wear clothing suitable for the weather.

Things that must be fitted

The car must have:

extra mirrors mounted onto the wing mirrors on both the passenger and driver side (for the examiner to use)

L-plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front of the car and rear of the trailer

a passenger seatbelt for the examiner and a proper passenger head restraint (not a slip-on type)

Manual and automatic cars

You can take the test in a:

manual car - these have 3 pedals

automatic or semi-automatic car - these have 2 pedals

The type of car and trailer you can drive after passing the test depends on:

what your licence is already for

what type of car you take the test in

What you can drive after passing the car and trailer test

Existing car licence | Car you use for the test | Cars you can drive when towing | Cars you can drive when not towing

Manual | Manual | Manual and automatic | Manual and automatic

Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic

Automatic | Manual | Manual and automatic | Manual and automatic

Manual | Automatic | Automatic | Manual and automatic

Hire cars

You can take your test in a hire car if it’s fitted with dual controls and meets all the other rules.

Vehicle features

You can use a car with:

an electronic parking brake

hill-start assist

Cars with known safety faults

You cannot use one of the cars shown in the table unless you bring proof to the test that it’s safe. This is because these cars have been recalled for a safety reason.

Model | Reason for recall | Vehicles affected | Recall issue date

Citroen C1 | Steering failure | Vehicles built between 9 Sept 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with vehicle identification numbers (VINs) between wF7xxxxxxER516105 and VF7xxxxxxER523367 | 28 Jun 2016

Peugeot 108 | Steering failure | Vehicles built between 9 Jun 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with VINs between VF3xxxxxxER256527 and F3xxxxxxER017078 | 28 Jun 2016

Toyota Aygo | Steering failure | Build dates between 9 Sept 2014 and 15 Oct 2014, with VINs between JTDJGNEC#0N022080 and 0N026438, JTDJPNEC#0N002099 and 0N002100, JTDKGNEC#0N022186 and 0N031372, and JTDKPNEC#0N002083 and 0N002102 | 28 Jun 2016

Toyota Yaris | Potentially defective seat rail track and/or steering column mounting | Some models built between Jun 2005 and May 2010 (‘05’ to ‘10’ registration plates) | 9 Apr 2014

Vauxhall ADAM | Potential steering problem | VINs with last 8 digits between E6077301 to E6113446, and F6000001 to F6006544 | 29 Sep 2014

Vauxhall Corsa D | Potential steering problem | VINs with last 8 digits between E6071016 and E6118738, and E4181031 and E4308122 | 29 Sep 2014

Proof you need to bring to your test

You must bring proof that says one of the following:

the car was recalled and the recall work has been done

the car was recalled but did not need any work to be done

the car was not part of the recall

The proof must be either:

the recall letter or safety notice, stamped by the manufacturer or dealer

on official or headed notepaper from the manufacturer or a dealer

Your test will be cancelled and you could lose your fee if you do not bring the right proof.

Rules for the trailer you use

The trailer you use and the load it carries must meet certain rules.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll have to pay again if your trailer or load do not meet the rules.

The trailer you use must:

be a closed box body, such as a horsebox

be around the same width and height as the car - you must only be able to see to the rear by using external mirrors, and not through the rear window

have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of at least 1,000kg - you need proof to show the examiner, for example, the manufacturer’s plate

The MAM is the limit on how much the trailer can weigh when it’s loaded.

Rules about the load

The trailer must carry a load of at least 600kg. The combined weight of the trailer and load must be at least 800kg.

The load must be secured safely to the trailer. Your test will be cancelled if it is not.

The load can be either:

bagged aggregates weighing at least 600kg, for example, sand, stone chippings or gravel (but not toxic materials)

a 600 litre or 1,000 litre intermediate bulk container, completely full of water

Intermediate bulk containers are industrial containers for transporting liquids. They’re made from semi-transparent plastic and are usually reinforced with a wire frame.

Bags of aggregate

Each bag of aggregate must:

be sealed

weigh at least 10kg (all bags must weigh the same)

have the weight clearly marked on it

You can also use a single bag if it weighs 600kg or 1,000kg.

Water in containers

Water must be in an intermediate bulk container. The examiner must be able to see that it is full.

If you have a disability, health condition or learning difficulty

When you book your driving test you should say if you have a:

disability

health condition

learning difficulty

You’ll still have to drive to the same standard to pass, but the examiner can make adjustments for your situation.

If your health condition or disability means you cannot wear a face covering during your test, you or your driving school must tell DVSA when booking your appointment.

You have a disability

At the start of the test, the examiner will talk to you about:

your disability

any adaptations fitted to your car

If you’re physically unable to uncouple and recouple the car and trailer, you can be asked questions to check your understanding instead.

You’re deaf or have a hearing impairment

The examiner will use written notes at the start of the test to explain what will happen. If you lip read, they’ll also look at you so you can lip read what they’re saying.

The examiner will usually give directions to you as hand signals. These will be explained to you before your test starts.

Using a sign language interpreter

You can take a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter with you. They must be at least 16 years old.

Your driving instructor can be your interpreter.

You need to arrange your own interpreter and pay any fees that they charge. You can claim the cost back after your test.

You’re pregnant

You can take a driving test at any stage of your pregnancy. However, you must be able and willing to do an emergency stop.

You have reading difficulties

When you do the eyesight check at the start of the driving test, you can write down the number plate instead of reading it out loud.

You have learning difficulties

The examiner will make adjustments for the independent driving part of the test if you have learning difficulties.

They might ask if you’d prefer to follow traffic signs instead of verbal directions.

You might be able to choose to follow a set of directions using a diagram. You’ll normally be asked to follow up to 3 directions at a time, but the examiner can reduce this to 2 at a time.

If your test is cancelled or there's bad weather

Your driving test can be cancelled or stopped because of bad weather, problems with your car, or for other reasons.

If your test is cancelled because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

You’ll be emailed with a new date if your driving test is cancelled because of COVID-19.

Bad weather

Driving tests are not carried out in dangerous weather conditions, such as when the roads are icy or if there’s flooding, thick fog or high winds.

Call your test centre if there are any of these conditions on the day of your test.

The phone number for the test centre is on your booking confirmation email.

If your test cannot go ahead

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will:

automatically book the next available date for your test

send you the details within 3 working days - it can take up to 7 days if there’s a long period of bad weather

You can change the date you’re given if it is not suitable. Your driving school will need to change your test date for you if they booked it.

You cannot claim for any out-of-pocket expenses if your test is cancelled because of bad weather.

Problems with you or your vehicle

You’ll have to book another test and pay again if your test cannot be completed because of a problem with:

you, for example, if you feel unwell while taking your test

your vehicle, for example, if your car breaks down during the test or the car or trailer do not meet the rules to be used

Your driving school will need to rearrange your test for you if they booked it.

If your test is cancelled for another reason

Sometimes DVSA has to cancel tests for other reasons, for example, if the examiner is unwell.

You’ll be sent a new date for your test if this happens. You can change the date if it is not suitable. Your driving school will need to change your test date for you if they booked it.

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.


Penalty points (endorsements)

Overview

The courts can fine you and ‘endorse’ your driving record with penalty points if you’re convicted of a motoring offence.

Endorsements must stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence.

The endorsement and penalty points are put on your driver record. View your driving licence record to see what penalty points you have and when they’ll be removed.

You can be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years. There are different rules for new drivers.

Endorsement codes and processes in Northern Ireland are different.

Endorsement codes and penalty points

Each endorsement has a special code and is given ‘penalty points’ on a scale from 1 to 11. You get more points for more serious offences.

The table shows the offence codes that can be put on your driving record. It also shows how many penalty points you can get for them. Some offences may also involve a disqualification.

Offence codes and penalty points must stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years depending on the offence.

Accident offences

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

AC10 | Failing to stop after an accident | 5 to 10

AC20 | Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours | 5 to 10

AC30 | Undefined accident offences | 4 to 9

Disqualified driver

Codes BA10 and BA30 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

BA10 | Driving while disqualified by order of court | 6

BA30 | Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court | 6

Codes BA40 and BA60 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

BA40 | Causing death by driving while disqualified | 3 to 11

BA60 | Causing serious injury by driving while disqualified | 3 to 11

Careless driving

Codes CD10 to CD30 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

CD10 | Driving without due care and attention | 3 to 9

CD20 | Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3 to 9

CD30 | Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users | 3 to 9

Codes CD40 to CD70 must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

CD40 | Causing death through careless driving when unfit through drink | 3 to 11

CD50 | Causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs | 3 to 11

CD60 | Causing death by careless driving with alcohol level above the limit | 3 to 11

CD70 | Causing death by careless driving then failing to supply a specimen for alcohol analysis | 3 to 11

Codes CD80 and CD90 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

CD80 | Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving | 3 to 11

CD90 | Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers | 3 to 11

Construction and use offences

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

CU10 | Using a vehicle with defective brakes | 3

CU20 | Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition | 3

CU30 | Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s) | 3

CU40 | Using a vehicle with defective steering | 3

CU50 | Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers | 3

CU80 | Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone | 3 to 6

Reckless/dangerous driving

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

DD10 | Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | 3 to 11

DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3 to 11

DD60 | Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle | 3 to 11

DD80 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3 to 11

DD90 | Furious driving | 3 to 9

Drink

Codes DR10 to DR61 must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit | 3 to 11

DR20 | Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink | 3 to 11

DR30 | Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis | 3 to 11

DR31 | Driving or attempting to drive then refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity | 3 to 11

DR61 | Refusing to give permission for analysis of a blood sample that was taken without consent due to incapacity in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive | 10

Codes DR40 to DR70 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

DR40 | In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit | 10

DR50 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink | 10

DR60 | Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive | 10

DR70 | Failing to co-operate with a preliminary test | 4

Drugs

These codes must stay on a driving record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

DG10 | Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit | 3 to 11

DG60 | Causing death by careless driving with drug level above the limit | 3 to 11

DR80 | Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs | 3 to 11

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence or 4 years from date of conviction where a disqualification is imposed.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

DG40 | In charge of a vehicle while drug level above specified limit | 10

DR90 | In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs | 10

Insurance offences

Code IN10 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

IN10 | Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks | 6 to 8

Licence offences

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

LC20 | Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence | 3 to 6

LC30 | Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence | 3 to 6

LC40 | Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability | 3 to 6

LC50 | Driving after a licence has been cancelled (revoked) or refused on medical grounds | 3 to 6

Miscellaneous offences

Code | Offence | Penalty points

MS10 | Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position | 3

MS20 | Unlawful pillion riding | 3

MS30 | Play street offences | 2

MS50 | Motor racing on the highway | 3 to 11

MS60 | Offences not covered by other codes (including offences relating to breach of requirements as to control of vehicle) | 3

MS70 | Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight | 3

MS80 | Refusing to submit to an eyesight test | 3

MS90 | Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc | 6

Motorway offences

Code MW10 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

MW10 | Contravention of special roads regulations (excluding speed limits) | 3

Pedestrian crossings

Code | Offence | Penalty points

PC10 | Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations | 3

PC20 | Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle | 3

PC30 | Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle | 3

Speed limits

Code | Offence | Penalty points

SP10 | Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits | 3 to 6

SP20 | Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles) | 3 to 6

SP30 | Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road | 3 to 6

SP40 | Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit | 3 to 6

SP50 | Exceeding speed limit on a motorway | 3 to 6

Traffic direction and signs

These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

TS10 | Failing to comply with traffic light signals | 3

TS20 | Failing to comply with double white lines | 3

TS30 | Failing to comply with ‘stop’ sign | 3

TS40 | Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden | 3

TS50 | Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding  ‘stop’ signs, traffic lights or double white lines) | 3

TS60 | Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign | 3

TS70 | Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign | 3

Special code

Code TT99 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of conviction.

It shows disqualification under ‘totting-up’ - if the total of penalty points reaches 12 or more within 3 years, the driver can be disqualified.

Theft or unauthorised taking

Code UT50 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the offence.

Code | Offence | Penalty points

UT50 | Aggravated taking of a vehicle | 3 to 11

‘Mutual recognition’ codes

You’ll get an ‘MR’ code on your driving record if you’re disqualified while driving in Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man. Your disqualification period will also be valid in GB and will stay on your record for 4 years from the date of conviction.

Code | Offence

MR09 | Reckless or dangerous driving (whether or not resulting in death, injury or serious risk)

MR19 | Wilful failure to carry out the obligation placed on driver after being involved in a road accident (hit or run)

MR29 | Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substance affecting or diminishing the mental and physical abilities of a driver

MR39 | Driving a vehicle faster than the permitted speed

MR49 | Driving a vehicle whilst disqualified

MR59 | Other conduct constituting an offence for which a driving disqualification has been imposed by the State of Offence

Aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring offences

For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 2.

For example, code LC20 (driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence) becomes code LC22 on your driving record if you have helped someone to do this.

Causing or permitting offences

For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 4.

For example, LC20 (driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence) becomes LC24 on your licence if you’ve caused or permitted someone to do this.

Inciting offences

For these offences, the codes are similar, but with the number 0 on the code changed to 6.

For example, DD40 (dangerous driving) becomes DD46 on your driving record if you’ve incited someone to do this.

How long endorsements stay on your driving record

Endorsements stay on your driving record for 4 or 11 years depending on the offence. This can start from either the date you’re convicted or the date of your offence.

The endorsement is ‘valid’ for the first:

3 years, for a 4-year endorsement

10 years, for an 11-year endorsement

A court can take your endorsement into account if both:

you commit another offence while it’s valid

the endorsement is still on your driving record when the court considers your case

Other people, like insurers and employers, may be able to find out that you have the endorsement:

any time during a 4-year endorsement

during the first 5 years of an 11-year endorsement, or the first 30 months if you’re under 18

4 years from date of conviction

An endorsement will stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of conviction if the offence:

is for reckless/dangerous driving - shown on the driving record as DD40, DD60 and DD80

results in disqualification

4 years from the date of offence

In all other cases endorsements stay on your driving record for 4 years from the date of offence.

11 years from date of conviction

If the offence is:

drink driving or drug driving - shown on the driving record as DR10, DR20, DR30, DR31, DR61 and DR80

causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs – shown on the driving record as CD40, CD50 and CD60

causing death by careless driving, then failing to provide a specimen for analysis – shown on the driving record as CD70

New drivers

Your licence will be cancelled (revoked) if you get 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test.

Points on your provisional licence

Any penalty points on your provisional licence that have not expired will be carried over to your full licence when you pass your test. However, your licence will be cancelled if you get any further penalty points that take you up to a total of 6 or more within 2 years of passing your driving test.

If your licence is cancelled within 2 years

You’ll have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again to get a full licence.

If you have not sent off for your full licence

You must retake both parts of your driving test if your licence has been cancelled after you’ve passed your test, but you have not sent off for your full licence yet. You can use your current provisional licence to take the tests.

Who’s covered by the rules

These rules apply to all new drivers who passed their first driving test in:

Great Britain

Northern Ireland

Isle of Man

Channel Islands

Gibraltar

the European Community (EC) and European Economic Area (EEA)

The EC/EEA countries are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

There is not another 2 year period if you pass a test for another category of vehicle, for example to drive a heavy goods vehicle.

Foreign licences

The rules also apply if you exchange a foreign driving licence for a British licence and then pass a further driving test in Great Britain.

Handing over your driving licence for endorsement

If you get an endorsement you’ll need to hand over your licence to either the police, a fixed penalty office (FPO) or when you appear in court.

Your fixed penalty notice will tell you how to find your local FPO.

You’ll need to get a replacement if you’ve lost your licence.

If your driving licence is not returned to you, contact the FPO or court you sent it to, unless your licence has been sent to DVLA.

When your licence is sent to DVLA

The FPO or court will send your driving licence to DVLA if:

the licence has been cancelled (‘revoked’) by a court

you’re a new driver and you’ve been given more than 6 penalty points

the licence you gave the court is invalid

you’ve let DVLA know that you’ve changed your address

If your licence is sent to DVLA because you’ve changed your address, it’ll be returned to you within 3 weeks.

Removing expired endorsements from your driving record

Most expired endorsements will automatically be removed from your driving record when they’re no longer valid.

The length of time they stay on your record depends on how serious the offence was.

How to check your endorsement details

You can also contact DVLA.

Incorrect endorsement details on your licence

Contact the court that convicted if your endorsement details are shown incorrectly on your driving licence.


Vehicle tax Direct Debit payments

Set up a Direct Debit

You can set up a Direct Debit when you tax your vehicle online or at a Post Office.

You do not need to be the vehicle’s registered keeper to set up a Direct Debit.

Emails and letters about Direct Debit payments are sent to the account holder.

How much it costs

The amount you pay depends on how often you want to make a payment. There’s a 5% surcharge if you pay:

monthly

every 6 months

There’s no surcharge if you pay yearly.

What you need

You need:

your address and date of birth

your bank or building society name, account number and sort code

You cannot set up a Direct Debit for an account that needs 2 signatures.

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation by email or post that your Direct Debit has been set up.

The first payment will not be taken until the vehicle tax has started. It can take up to 10 days. You can still use the vehicle before the payment is taken.

All the following payments will be taken on the first working day of the month that the Direct Debit is due.

Renewing your vehicle tax

Your Direct Debit for vehicle tax will renew automatically when it’s due to run out.

You’ll get an email or letter telling you when your payments will be taken.

You will not be sent a vehicle tax reminder letter (V11).

Do not tax your vehicle again. If you do, you’ll be charged twice.

The vehicle keeper must have a vehicle logbook (V5C) before the vehicle tax is renewed.

If the vehicle keeper does not have a V5C

Your Direct Debit will not automatically renew if there’s no vehicle keeper in DVLA’s records.

You can tell DVLA who the vehicle keeper is online.

If you do not get an email or letter when your vehicle tax runs out, you should contact DVLA.

If you do not have an MOT or insurance in place

DVLA will write to you if your vehicle’s MOT certificate will have run out when your vehicle tax is due to renew.

Your vehicle must pass an MOT by the time the current one runs out.

After it’s passed an MOT, DVLA’s records will be updated automatically. Your vehicle tax will be renewed on the date it was due to run out.

You do not need to contact DVLA or tax your vehicle again.

If you do not get an MOT in time, you’ll need to tax your vehicle again.

If your vehicle is registered in Northern Ireland, you must also have insurance in place when your vehicle tax is due to renew. You’ll get a letter telling you if your insurance will have run out by then.

Change your address, email or name

Tell DVLA if you want to change the address, email or name on your Direct Debit.

You can call DVLA if:

you’ve moved house

you’ve got a new email address

you’ve got married or divorced and want to update your details

there’s a mistake with your name or address

If you changed your name by deed poll

Write to DVLA if you’ve changed your name by deed poll.

You need to include:

your address and date of birth

a copy of your deed poll

Send it to:

Change how often you pay

When you set up your Direct Debit you can choose to pay:

every month

every 6 months

every year

DVLA will take the payments on the first working day of the month. You cannot change it to a different date.

To change how often you pay (for example, from every 6 months to monthly), you have to cancel your Direct Debit and then tax your vehicle again.

What you need to do

Ask your bank or building society to cancel your Direct Debit. Depending on your account, you can do this online, by phone or post, or at a branch.

Tax your vehicle on the first day of the month that your next Direct Debit payment was due. Use the 11 digit number on your vehicle log book (V5C).

Choose the Direct Debit option when you tax your vehicle. Then choose how often you want to pay - either monthly, every 6 months or every year.

Change bank account or payment method

When you want to change the account your Direct Debit is taken from you can either:

ask your new bank or building society to move your Direct Debits from your old account

change to another account you already have

You can also change to paying by credit or debit card.

Switching bank or building society

Most UK banks can move Direct Debits from your old bank account to your new one.

You do not need to tell DVLA or do anything else.

Move your Direct Debit to an account you already have

Your bank might be able to move a Direct Debit from one of your accounts to another if both accounts are with them - check with your bank.

Contact DVLA if your bank cannot move the Direct Debit to your new account or the 2 accounts are with different banks.

Pay with a debit or credit card

Ask your bank or building society to cancel your Direct Debit. You can keep driving your vehicle until the date your next Direct Debit payment was due.

Pay the tax for your vehicle using a debit or credit card.

If a Direct Debit payment fails

The Direct Debit account holder will get an email from DVLA if a payment fails because there is not enough money in the account.

DVLA will try to take the payment again within 4 working days. If that also fails, you’ll get an email telling you that:

the Direct Debit has failed twice and has been permanently cancelled

your vehicle is no longer taxed

What to do if your Direct Debit is cancelled

You’ll have to tax your vehicle using your vehicle log book (V5C). You’ll need to either:

make sure there’s enough money in your account and set up a new Direct Debit

use a new payment method, for example, a debit card or Direct Debit from another account with enough money in it

It’s illegal to drive your vehicle until you’ve taxed it.

If you do not do anything

You’ll be fined £80 if you do not tax your vehicle or tell DVLA that it’s off the road. You’ll also have to pay for the time it was not taxed.

If you do not pay your fine on time your vehicle could be clamped or crushed, or your details passed to a debt collection agency.

Cancel a Direct Debit

DVLA will cancel your Direct Debit when you tell them your vehicle’s been:

sold or transferred to someone else

taken off the road, for example, you’re keeping it in a garage - this is called a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)

written off by your insurance company

scrapped at a vehicle scrapyard

stolen - you’ll have to apply for a refund separately

exported out of the UK

The Direct Debit will also be cancelled if you no longer have to pay vehicle tax because you’ve told DVLA:

it’s being used by a disabled person

the vehicle is historic (it’s over 40 years old)

If you overpaid your tax

You’ll automatically get a refund cheque for any full months left on your vehicle tax. The refund is calculated from the date DVLA gets your information.

If you cancel your Direct Debit just before a monthly payment is due, DVLA may still take the payment. You’ll automatically get a refund within 10 working days if this happens.

Cancelling the Direct Debit for other reasons

If you cancel your Direct Debit with your bank or building society for any other reason, you must tax your vehicle again using either:

a Direct Debit from an account with enough money in it

another payment method, for example, by debit or credit card


Vehicle tax rates

Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017

You need to pay tax when the vehicle is first registered, this covers the vehicle for 12 months.

You’ll then pay vehicle tax every 6 or 12 months at a different rate.

First tax payment when you register the vehicle

You’ll pay a rate based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions the first time it’s registered.

This also applies to some motorhomes.

You have to pay a higher rate for diesel cars that do not meet the Real Driving Emissions 2 (RDE2) standard for nitrogen oxide emissions. You can ask your car’s manufacturer if your car meets the RDE2 standard.

CO2 emissions | Diesel cars (TC49) that meet the RDE2 standard and petrol cars (TC48) | All other diesel cars (TC49) | Alternative fuel cars (TC59)

0g/km | £0 | £0 | £0

1 to 50g/km | £10 | £25 | £0

51 to 75g/km | £25 | £115 | £15

76 to 90g/km | £115 | £140 | £105

91 to 100g/km | £140 | £160 | £130

101 to 110g/km | £160 | £180 | £150

111 to 130g/km | £180 | £220 | £170

131 to 150g/km | £220 | £555 | £210

151 to 170g/km | £555 | £895 | £545

171 to 190g/km | £895 | £1,345 | £885

191 to 225g/km | £1,345 | £1,910 | £1,335

226 to 255g/km | £1,910 | £2,245 | £1,900

Over 255g/km | £2,245 | £2,245 | £2,235

This payment covers your vehicle for 12 months.

Rates for second tax payment onwards

Fuel type | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit

Petrol or diesel | £155 | £155 | £162.75 | £85.25 | £81.38

Electric | £0 | N/A | N/A | £0 | N/A

Alternative | £145 | £145 | £152.25 | £79.75 | £76.13

Alternative fuel vehicles include hybrids, bioethanol and liquid petroleum gas.

Vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000

You have to pay an extra £335 a year if you have a car or motorhome with a ‘list price’ (the published price before any discounts) of more than £40,000. You do not have to pay this if you have a zero emission vehicle.

You only have to pay this rate for 5 years (from the second time the vehicle is taxed).

Check the list price with your dealer so you know how much vehicle tax you’ll have to pay.

Petrol or diesel | £490 | £490 | £514.50 | £269.50 | £257.25

Alternative | £480 | £480 | £504 | £264 | £252

Cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017

The rate of vehicle tax is based on fuel type and CO2 emissions.

CO2 emission details are shown on the car’s V5C registration certificate, or you can find emission details online.

Petrol car (TC48) and diesel car (TC49)

Band and CO2 emission | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit

A: Up to 100g/km | £0 | £0 | N/A | N/A | N/A

B: 101 to 110g/km | £20 | £20 | £21 | N/A | N/A

C: 111 to 120g/km | £30 | £30 | £31.50 | N/A | N/A

D: 121 to 130g/km | £130 | £130 | £136.50 | £71.50 | £68.25

E: 131 to 140g/km | £155 | £155 | £162.75 | £85.25 | £81.38

F: 141 to 150g/km | £170 | £170 | £178.50 | £93.50 | £89.25

G: 151 to 165g/km | £210 | £210 | £220.50 | £115.50 | £110.25

H: 166 to 175g/km | £250 | £250 | £262.50 | £137.50 | £131.25

I: 176 to 185g/km | £275 | £275 | £288.75 | £151.25 | £144.38

J: 186 to 200g/km | £315 | £315 | £330.75 | £173.25 | £165.38

K*: 201 to 225g/km | £340 | £340 | £357 | £187 | £178.50

L: 226 to 255g/km | £585 | £585 | £614.25 | £321.75 | £307.13

M: Over 255g/km | £600 | £600 | £630 | £330 | £315

*Includes cars with a CO2 figure over 225g/km but were registered before 23 March 2006.

Alternative fuel car (TC59)

A: Up to 100g/km | £0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A

B: 101 to 110g/km | £10 | £10 | £10.50 | N/A | N/A

C: 111 to 120g/km | £20 | £20 | £21 | N/A | N/A

D: 121 to 130g/km | £120 | £120 | £126 | £66 | £63

E: 131 to 140g/km | £145 | £145 | £152.25 | £79.75 | £76.13

F: 141 to 150g/km | £160 | £160 | £168 | £88 | £84

G: 151 to 165g/km | £200 | £200 | £210 | £110 | £105

H: 166 to 175g/km | £240 | £240 | £252 | £132 | £126

I: 176 to 185g/km | £265 | £265 | £278.25 | £145.75 | £139.13

J: 186 to 200g/km | £305 | £305 | £320.25 | £167.75 | £160.13

K*: 201 to 225g/km | £330 | £330 | £346.50 | £181.50 | £173.25

L: 226 to 255g/km | £575 | £575 | £603.75 | £316.25 | £301.88

M: Over 255g/km | £590 | £590 | £619.50 | £324.50 | £309.75

Cars and light goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2001

The rate of vehicle tax is based on engine size.

Private or light goods (TC11)

Engine size (cc) | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit

Not over 1549 | £170 | £170 | £178.50 | £93.50 | £89.25

Over 1549 | £280 | £280 | £294 | £154 | £147

Motorhomes

The rate of vehicle tax is based on the vehicle’s revenue weight (also known as maximum or gross vehicle weight).

Private or light goods (TC11)

Private or light goods vehicles have a revenue weight of 3,500kg or less.

Private heavy goods (TC10)

Private heavy goods vehicles have a revenue weight that’s over 3,500kg.

£165 | £165 | £173.25 | £90.75 | £86.63

If your motorhome was registered between 1 April 2017 and 11 March 2020

You’ll pay a different rate of tax if both of the following apply to your motorhome:

it’s in the M1SP category - check with your dealer if you’re not sure

its CO2 emissions are included on the ‘type approval certificate’ (this might be called a ‘certificate of conformity’ or ‘individual vehicle approval’)

Other vehicle tax rates

Light goods vehicles (TC39)

Registered on or after 1 March 2001 and not over 3,500kg revenue weight (also known as maximum or gross vehicle weight).

£275 | £275 | £288.75 | £151.25 | £144.38

Euro 4 light goods vehicles (TC36)

Registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 December 2006, Euro 4 compliant and not over 3,500kg revenue weight.

£140 | £140 | £147 | £77 | £73.50

Euro 5 light goods vehicles (TC36)

Registered between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010, Euro 5 compliant and not over 3,500kg revenue weight.

£140 | £140 | £147 | £77 | £73.50

Motorcycle (with or without sidecar) (TC17)

Engine size (cc) | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | 6 months by Direct Debit

Not over 150 | £21 | £21 | £22.05 | N/A | N/A

151-400 | £45 | £45 | £47.25 | N/A | N/A

401-600 | £69 | £69 | £72.45 | £37.95 | £36.23

Over 600 | £96 | £96 | £100.80 | £52.80 | £50.40

Tricycles (not over 450kg unladen) (TC50)

Tricycle not over 150 | £21 | £21 | £22.05 | N/A | N/A

All other tricycles | £96 | £96 | £100.80 | £52.80 | £50.40

Trade licences

You can get trade licences for between 6 and 12 months, depending on the month you apply.

Month you apply | When the licence expires | How long it’s valid for | Rate of duty for all vehicles | Rate of duty for bicycles and tricycles

January (6 month licence) | June | 6 months | £93.50 | £52.80

January (12 month licence) | December | 12 months | £170 | £96

February | December | 11 months | £170 | £96

March | December | 10 months | £155.85 | £88

April | December | 9 months | £140.25 | £79.20

May | December | 8 months | £124.65 | £70.40

June | December | 7 months | £109.10 | £61.60

July | December | 6 months | £93.50 | £52.80

August | June | 11 months | £170 | £96

September | June | 10 months | £155.85 | £88

October | June | 9 months | £140.25 | £79.20

November | June | 8 months | £124.65 | £70.40

December | June | 7 months | £109.10 | £61.60