Expert advice, guides, and insights to help you make informed decisions when buying a used car
Showing 57 articles
Need to call the DVLA? This guide covers every DVLA contact number UK drivers need — vehicle tax (0300 790 6802), driving licences (0300 790 6801) and medical enquiries (0300 790 6806) — with opening hours, web chat and WhatsApp options.
Renewing your car tax in 2026 takes minutes online, by phone or at the Post Office. This guide covers what you need, the 2026 cost, how to renew without a V5C or reminder letter, how to cancel a Direct Debit and what happens if your tax expires.
Importing a car to the UK means paying 20% VAT and, for non-EU vehicles, 10% customs duty. This guide covers EU, Japanese, Indian and classic car import tax rates, how Transfer of Residence relief can remove the charge entirely, and the NOVA declaration you must file before registering.
Car dashboard warning lights use a colour-coded system — red, amber and green — to tell a driver how urgently they need to act. This guide explains what each colour means, which lights require an immediate stop, and what to do when a symbol appears.
Disabled car tax exemption lets eligible UK drivers pay 50 per cent less or nothing at all for vehicle tax (VED). This guide explains which benefits qualify, whether the reduction is 50 per cent or 100 per cent, and how to apply.
Electric company car tax (benefit in kind) is just 4 per cent for fully electric cars in 2026/27, compared with up to 37 per cent for petrol and diesel. This guide explains how BIK is calculated and what employees and employers pay.
When you sell a car you must tell DVLA immediately. Road tax is never transferred to the new owner, but any full unused months are refunded automatically by cheque to the address on the V5C log book.
Private number plates must follow strict display rules on font, colour and spacing. A plate can only be assigned to one vehicle at a time, and the right to use an unassigned number must be renewed every 10 years.
An MOT takes around 45 to 60 minutes for a standard car. Find out what happens step by step, what is checked, what each result means and what to do if your car fails.
Moved house? You must notify DVLA by updating both your driving licence and your V5C logbook separately. Both are free. Failing to tell DVLA can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
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