The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a warning to drivers
The DVLA reminded motorists that there are “no shortcuts”(Image: Charday Penn via Getty Images)
Drivers have been issued a warning by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. If you want to get your vehicle back on the road, you must tax it first.
The DVLA reminded motorists that there are “no shortcuts” when bringing a vehicle back into use after declaring it off the road under a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). The agency said: “Want to use your vehicle again after telling DVLA it’s off the road (SORN)? You have to tax it first.”
No tax, no driving
Even if your car has been sitting idle in a garage or on a driveway, you cannot simply get behind the wheel and drive off. Motorists must first complete the official process to tax their vehicle before it is legally permitted back on public roads.
And this requirement stands even if no payment is necessary. The DVLA says you must tax your vehicle even if it is exempt from vehicle tax, meaning there is no fee to pay.
How to tax your vehicle
Drivers can tax their vehicle using a reference number from one of the following:
- A recent DVLA tax reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter
- The vehicle log book (V5C), which must be in your name
- The green ‘new keeper’ slip if you have just bought the vehicle
If you don’t have any of these to hand, you’ll need to apply for a new log book – though you can still tax the vehicle at the same time. Payments can be made by Direct Debit or card, and a 24-hour phone service is also available. Drivers can additionally visit a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.
Extra checks before you drive
The DVLA also emphasises that taxing your vehicle is just one part of the process. Motorists must make sure they meet all legal requirements before getting behind the wheel, including holding valid insurance and a current MOT where applicable.
Delays can also occur following an MOT test, with records taking up to two days to update – which means drivers may be unable to tax their vehicle straight away after it passes.
SORN rules still catch drivers out
The warning comes amid growing concern that many motorists remain unaware of the regulations surrounding SORN and vehicle tax until they find themselves in breach of them.
If a vehicle has been officially declared off the road, it does not require taxing – but the moment you wish to use it again, that obligation comes back into force immediately.
