A recent review of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has revealed that classic car owners have been facing difficulties with the agency’s services.

The review, commissioned by the Department for Transport, found that the DVLA’s outdated systems and processes have led to a less than satisfactory experience for classic car enthusiasts.

The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) has long campaigned for improvements to the classic car registration process. They argue that the current system, which hasn’t been updated since the 1980s, is outdated and ill-suited to modern classic car restoration and modification practices.

One of the main issues highlighted in the review is the difficulty of registering historic vehicles that have undergone restoration or modification. The current system often forces owners to register these vehicles with a ‘Q-plate’, which can negatively impact their value and insurance.

In response to the review, the DVLA has committed to engaging with stakeholders and considering potential changes to the registration process.

However, the HCVA believes that significant reform is needed to address the long-standing issues faced by classic car owners.