Motorists are being warned of new driving law changes set to be introduced in April which could see them fork out more for their car tax or impact how they travel abroad.
With the start of the new financial year, drivers may see big changes to the amount of money they spend to stay on the road, especially with their car tax.
A number of new rules introduced in the March Spring Statement may also impact drivers, especially the extension of the 5p fuel duty freeze, with hopes that Britons will save around £50 over the next 12 months when at the pumps.
To help motorists prepare for the coming month, GB News has compiled a list of the most important driving law changes set to launch in April.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
New DVLA and car tax changes will be launching in the coming month
PA/GETTY
Driving permit changes
Motorists looking to drive abroad in the coming months may have to make major changes to their plans ahead of a new update being introduced on April 1.
The DVLA announced that from the start of the month, drivers will be able to get an International Driving Permit from participating PayPoint stores across the UK.
Previously, drivers were able to get their hands on the IDP certificate at Post Office branches, although this will change from April.
An IDP is still recommended for more than 100 countries
PAMore than 140 countries around the world recommend the use of an IDP, with the full list being available on the GOV.UK website, with drivers being advised to check before heading off.
This includes popular tourist hotspots for British holidaymakers including Australia, Canada, Mexico and Turkey.
There are three different types of IDPs – 1926, 1949 and 1968 – with experts urging motorists to check before they travel to ensure they are road legal.
However, the Government instructs drivers to refrain from applying for an IDP if they plan on moving abroad, as they will most likely need to exchange their licence for a new one.
Car tax rates
While the Government has not yet released information on how much Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates will increase, they will be rising from April 1.
During the 2023 Autumn Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed that the VED would be uprated in line with the retail price index (RPI), which has fluctuated in recent months.
Experts have predicted that this could be as high as six per cent or as low as three per cent, although it is likely that many petrol and diesel drivers will see their prices rise, and in some cases, quite dramatically.
Jeremy Hunt delivered the Budget on March 6
PAIf rates are to increase by around six per cent, some drivers could see their annual costs rise by £140 from £2,605 to £2,745 if their car is in the highest emissions band of producing 255g of CO2 per kilometre.
Other polluting vehicles will see bigger bills including a £85 jump for cars with emissions outputs of 191-225g/km and £120 for vehicles producing 226-255g/km.
There will be some respite for a handful of motorists, namely those who drive HGVs and lorries, as confirmed by Hunt in the Autumn Statement last year.
In a bid to support the haulage sector, tax rates for HGVs and the HGV levy will both remain frozen at 2023-24 rates for 20240-25.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Congestion Charge madness spreads to the US with drivers set to be charged $15 to drive in New York City
- Chinese car brand could launch factory in the UK and introduce popular electric vehicles within months
- Hydrogen plans could see fuel cell vehicles 'become more affordable and commonplace' on UK roads
The new DVLA-Post Office contract will last for one year
POST OFFICEDVLA Post Office
April 1 will be a busy day for drivers if they need to renew any of their motoring documents, with the DVLA giving reassurance to people looking to refresh their licence.
From the start of the month, a new contract between the DVLA and Post Office Ltd will begin, allowing motorists to visit their branches around the UK to carry out certain services.
Under the new contract, customers can choose to visit relevant Post Office branches to tax a vehicle or renew a 10-year photocard driving licence.
One in five MOT testers are yet to complete the requirements
PAMOT test changes
The latest data from the DVSA showed that one in five MOT testers had not yet completed the annual training and assessment, potentially resulting in them being suspended.
The deadline to successfully complete the annual assessment and have it recorded against their MTS profile is March 31, with testers being forced to switch their testing status to suspended.
This could have a knock-on effect for drivers over fears it will lead to a drop in the number of available MOT testers to carry out routine vehicle checks.