Latest news with #DriverandVehicleLicensingAgency
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
DVLA issues warning to all older drivers who risk losing licence under rule
The DVLA has issued an important warning to all older drivers who could be at risk of losing their licence if they don't adhere to the new rules put in place by the government agency Elderly motorists face the prospect of having their licence revoked if they fail to heed a fresh warning from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Once drivers hit 70, their licence lapses automatically, meaning they cannot legally get behind the wheel until they've renewed it. What's more, senior drivers must refresh their licence much more frequently than they did before reaching their 70th birthday. Generally, motorists under 70 are required to renew their licence 10 years. But once you've reached the age of 70, renewal becomes necessary every three years. Taking to X, the DVLA said "You need to renew your licence when you turn 70. Do it online now – it's easy, quick and secure." What happens if I forget to renew my licence? Should you let your licence lapse without renewing it, the moment you next drive you'll technically be operating a vehicle without valid authorisation. This constitutes a serious motoring violation that brings equally severe consequences, including penalty points, hefty fines, and possible disqualification from driving. According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, the offence of "driving without an appropriate licence" could result in up to six penalty points. It also carries a maximum fine of £1,000. In certain circumstances, police may also possess the authority to confiscate your vehicle. How older drivers can renew their licence Drivers aged 70 or over, or those who will turn 70 in the next 90 days, can renew their licence for free with the DVLA. The easiest way to renew a licence is to use the DVLA's online service, which claims the new licence will arrive within one week of an application being received. First-time users of the service will need to register and provide their email address, residential addresses for the past three years, and a valid UK passport number if the photo needs updating. Once the renewal application has been submitted, you're permitted to drive without your current licence provided you meet the following conditions:. You're not currently disqualified Your application is less than a year old You have the support of your doctor to continue driving You weren't disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013 Your last licence wasn't revoked or refused for medical reasons You only drive under the conditions of the previous licence You had a valid licence
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK's most stolen car in 2025 is named but it's not the vehicle you'd expect
Following the Mirror's Freedom of Information request to the DVLA, the UK's most stolen car in 2025 has been named and shame - but there's more to the story than you'd think The UK's top 10 stolen cars in 2025 have been revealed - and seven models all belong to one major brand. Last month, the Mirror submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) - asking for the total number of vehicles that had been stolen from January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2025. It found that during the six month period, a staggering 23,189 cars had been targeted by thieves. While this might seem like a sky-high number, it reflects a sharp decrease compared to 2024, when reports suggest a whopping 61,343 vehicles were stolen. It's an even bigger drop from 2023, which saw an alarming 104,000 vehicles reported stolen - despite advances in security. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. Coming in at the top of the league tables is the Ford Fiesta Zetec, a 'timeless favourite' that is often praised for its practical features, classic design and reliability. "Zetec is a step above Style, and you get quite a lot of bang for your buck, including alloy wheels and a heated windscreen," say experts at Cinch. "This car also gets a significant lighting upgrade, with stylish LED daytime running lights and front fog lights that illuminate individually when cornering. The Zetec model also comes with the company's slick, easy-to-use SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system, which works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto." At the time of writing, there are currently 3,241 second-hand Ford Fiesta Zetecs for sale on Auto Trader, with prices ranging from £695 to over £20,000. It is this affordable price point that has made the vehicle so popular, particularly amongst first-time drivers. According to the FOI, 211 of these vehicles had been stolen during the first six months of 2025. This is followed by the Ford Fiesta Titanium Turbo (167), the Ford Fiesta Titanium X (165) and the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT (162). However, speaking to the Mirror about the findings, a Ford spokesperson insisted that the Ford Fiesta is no more 'stolen' than many other types of cars including the VW Polo or Vauxhall Corsa if you look at the percentage of total registrations and not just the volume of thefts. Despite production of the small hatchback being discontinued in 2023, it remained one of the country's biggest-selling cars every year for more than a decade, with more than 4.8 million models registered to UK drivers. "The Ford Fiesta is a victim of its own sales success between 1976 and 2023," they added. "There are more Fiestas on the road in the UK than most other makes and models, and therefore the total number of thefts is higher as a result." Top 10 stolen cars in the UK Back in 2023, Land Rover was hit with swathes of complaints following a surge in thefts - particularly in cities - which left many Brits unable to even insure their cars. However, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE has dropped to 15th on the list of recent stolen cars (with just 79 stolen vehicles) - thanks to its £17 million upgrade to update the security of its vehicles, including tweaking its key systems on 300,000 cars. Land Rover's parent company JLR also invested £1 million to fund proactive policing to tackle the organised crime groups targeting vehicles in the UK. Toyota has also invested millions in a 'variety of solutions' to help protect its customers from car theft, including protective plates, immobilisers, blockers and trackers.
Daily Record
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
DVLA shares vehicle tax message to drivers - everything you need to know
The DVLA holds more than 52 million driver records and 46 million vehicle records The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has delivered an important message to motorists throughout Great Britain. The Government body, which maintains over 46 million vehicle records, encouraged drivers to establish a vital notification system. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, it said: "Get vehicle tax reminders by email or text by setting up your Driver and vehicles account on It's free and easy to do." Vehicle tax is primarily calculated based on engine size or fuel type and CO2 emissions, depending on when the vehicle was first registered. According to the RAC, most drivers will fork out approximately £195 in car tax this year, though this can differ on an individual basis. "Cars first registered on or after 1 April 2017 are taxed against one of three VED bands - zero, standard or premium," RAC guidance states. "For cars registered between 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017, the rates are split into different CO2 bands – the lower the tailpipe emissions, the lower the vehicle tax. "In order to tax a vehicle, suitable car insurance cover must be in place, while the vehicle must also have a valid MOT if it is over three years old (four years in Northern Ireland). Both are checked electronically when you apply for car tax." You can discover more about the car tax you might owe at This will typically require using a reference number which can be located in a vehicle log book (V5C - which must be in your name) or the green 'new keeper' slip from a log book if you've recently purchased it. If you're missing these documents, you'll have to apply for a new logbook and you can sort out your vehicle tax at the same time. You might find the reference number you need in a recent vehicle tax reminder or 'last chance' warning letter from the DVLA, too. Motorists can also contact the DVLA via their 24-hour phone service on 0300 123 4321 or pop into a local Post Office that handles vehicle tax for further assistance. Besides this, the DVLA has also recently encouraged any motorist over 70 to ensure their driving licence is up-to-date. Taking to X, its spokespeople previously wrote: "Are you 70 or over and due to renew your driving licence? "Do it for free!...It's easy, quick and secure on Car users over this age must remember that their driving licences require renewal every three years, rather than the usual 10. The DVLA typically sends a reminder before your 70th birthday and each time your licence requires renewal. Although current rules state that older drivers are not required to retake their driving test at 70, they must submit a health declaration before obtaining a new licence. People with medical conditions or disabilities might need an evaluation of their driving ability. For licence renewal applications, people over 70 generally need to provide these details: National Insurance number (if you know it) A valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo) An email address Addresses of where you've lived for the last three years
Agriland
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Agriland
Pick Up Warning Issued in Uk as Toyota Hilux Thefts Soar
Owners of Toyota Hilux, a popular choice for farmers, have been warned to "take immediate steps" to keep their pick-ups secure after a spike in thefts of the vehicles in the UK. According to new research, there was a 548.9% year-on-year rise in 2024 in thefts of the Toyota Hilux. The research was carried out by QuestGates, one of the UK's largest owner-managed loss adjusting and claims solutions group, who analysed data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on stolen vehicles less than three-years-old. It found that a three-year-old Toyota Hilux topped the polls as the "UK's most stolen newer model" last year. According to QuestGates, although vehicle thefts fell overall by 4.5% last year in the UK, thieves appear to be targeting models that are less than three-years-old - reflecting a rise of 6.6%. Philip Swift, technical director at QuestGates, said: 'The increased targeting of the Toyota Hilux reflects changing criminal behaviour and the perceived value of and demand for specific models. "We advise affected owners to take immediate steps to secure their vehicles". Most stolen less than three-years-old cars in UK. Source: QuestGates analysis of DVLA data According to Toyota, it is committed to doing what it can to keep its customers' vehicles secure. It has also highlighted that the Toyota Hilux "boasts a comprehensive suite of security features, encompassing both active and passive safety systems". Authorities have advised farmers and landowners who own a 4x4 that they should take some basic "precautionary" steps to protect their vehicle, including ensuring they are locked at all times when not in use and parking the vehicle in a secure location. They have also said that using steering wheel locks, immobilisers, and CCTV systems can be a useful deterrent to would-be thieves. Authorities are also advising owners to consider installing trackers on their vehicle, as this makes it easier to locate it if has been stolen.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Yahoo
Drink-drive deaths up 7% in a decade
Drink-drive deaths in Britain have risen by 7% in 10 years, figures show. Department for Transport statistics reveal an estimated 260 people died in crashes in 2023 in which a driver was over the alcohol limit. That represented a 14% reduction on the previous 12 months, but a 7% increase from 2013. Some 16% of road deaths in 2023 involved drink-driving. Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, said: 'Drink-driving can have devastating consequences. 'While the latest drink-drive related fatality figures have declined on the previous year, the trend over the past decade is troubling and shows that we are stuck in a dangerous rut. 'We must redouble our efforts on enforcement, providing the police with the necessary tools to clamp down on drink-drivers while reviewing our approach to both first time and repeat offenders.' The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. Nowhere else in Europe has a limit above 50mg/100ml. The Scottish Government reduced its limit to that level in 2014. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'Every death on our roads is a tragedy and the safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this Government. 'Our well-established Think! campaign is designed to reduce the number of those killed and injured on our roads. 'More needs to be done in this space, which is why we are committed to delivering a new road safety strategy – the first in over a decade and will set out next steps in due course.' Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics previously obtained by the PA news agency revealed 27,837 British motorists were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years to July 20 2024. Some 372 were caught at least four times, including four who were prosecuted on seven occasions.
