The agency maintains records for almost 53 million drivers and around 47 million vehicles across the UK. Its latest plan sets out performance targets for the coming year, alongside preparations for changes to vehicle taxation. The measures form part of a wider effort to improve customer services while maintaining the agency’s existing responsibilities.
DVLA Sets New Targets for Driving Licences and Vehicle Tax Services
The DVLA has committed to dispatching 99 per cent of driving licence and vehicle registration certificate applications made online within three working days. The target is intended to reduce waiting times and provide a more consistent service for motorists.
According to the GB News, the agency has also established a service availability target exceeding 99.5 per cent across its main digital platforms. These include vehicle tax, vehicle management, personalised registrations and driver licensing. The DVLA says customers should be able to access these services when required, without unnecessary interruptions. Its business plan identifies customer experience, operational efficiency and effective use of data as three priorities for 2026–2027.
Another planned development concerns the Driver and vehicles account, which the agency intends to expand. By March 2027, motorists should be able to tax their vehicles directly through the account, bringing an existing high-volume service into the platform.
The DVLA also plans to introduce digital MOT reminders through the same account by December 2026. The service will allow customers to sign up for reminders, adding another function to the agency’s online system.
The targets cover services used by millions of motorists each year, including those renewing driving licences, registering vehicles or paying tax. The agency says its performance will be assessed against the commitments outlined in the plan.
New Vehicle Tax Arrangements and Preparations for 2028
Alongside improvements to licensing services, the DVLA is preparing for changes to vehicle taxation. The agency currently collects more than £8 billion annually in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) on behalf of HM Treasury.
According to the same source, the DVLA will also be responsible for collecting electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from 2028. Under the planned arrangements, electric vehicle drivers will pay 3p per mile, while hybrid vehicle drivers will face a charge of 1.5p per mile.
The measures were linked by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves to declining fuel duty receipts and the impact of road use on public infrastructure. The DVLA’s business plan includes a commitment to meet the eVED delivery timetable established by HM Treasury for April 2028.
Tim Moss CBE, the DVLA’s chief executive and accounting officer, described the new business plan as an important moment for the organisation. He said its priorities had been agreed with the Department for Transport and reflected the Government’s wider transport objectives.
Labour MP Justin Madders also addressed the plan’s purpose. As reported by the Birmingham Mail, he explained that it sets out the agency’s principal priorities, proposed service changes and performance indicators. The DVLA’s commitments for 2026–2027 therefore cover both the everyday services motorists already use and preparations for the forthcoming vehicle tax arrangements.
