Pegasus Director
Do you ever worry about when your road tax is due and the consequences if it lapsed? Well, it could land you in trouble with the law and also impact your work – depending on your job. Here, Martin Smith explains why this forewarning electronic system is a benefit, despite your feelings on road taxes.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has launched a new and improved digital account service to make our lives on the road much easier.
With instant notifications about road tax and no more paper reminders, staying on top of our vehicle’s tax status has never been easier.
It can trigger reminders through email and SMS, ensuring we never forget to renew our road tax again. In addition, it also allows drivers to view their driving record, MOT renewals and penalty points.
Having a DVLA Digital Account eliminates the need to carry physical documents. Instead of fumbling through various papers, you can access all the necessary information on your phone or computer. This saves time and reduces the risk of losing important documents.
The digital account provides a more efficient and streamlined process for updating and managing your driving licence and vehicle details. It also offers enhanced security measures to protect your personal information. With features like two-factor authentication and secure password protocols, you can have peace of mind knowing that your data is safe.
Digital accounts also help in promoting environmental sustainability. By reducing the reliance on paper documents, it contributes to the conservation of resources and reduces waste.
It is increasingly important for businesses with vehicle fleets to use integrated software to keep track of compulsory checks and balances. While companies are responsible for their fleet’s insurance, the delivery drivers are responsible for their private vehicles. If the tax lapses on their private vehicles unknowingly, this could lead to trouble, including work or job loss. Each company has a different policy regarding delivery drivers and the number of points or offences allowed on their licence. The smart thing to do is to stay on top of road tax, as it could save you issues in the future.
Ultimately, while opinions on road tax differ, the fact remains that it is a legal requirement – like it or not. The DVLA estimates 719,000 unlicenced vehicles in the UK, representing 1.8% of vehicles in UK traffic. This results in an estimated potential revenue loss of £119 million in 2021 alone.
The statistics are based on roadside observations at 267 sites across the UK in June and July 2021.
The digital service was introduced to tackle Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) evasion resulting from drivers forgetting to renew their road tax.
There are several different types of cameras, but yes, some can assess the vehicle’s DVLA records for road tax and insurance.
These are called ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras and operate across the UK. They automatically check registration plates against databases held by both the police and the DVLA.
These cameras can be fixed or mobile.
Overall, having a DVLA Digital Account is convenient and, in my opinion, essential for drivers. It provides easy access to important information, streamlines administrative processes, enhances security, and promotes environmental sustainability.
To sign up for the DVLA digital service, first visit the website www.gov.uk/driver-vehicles-account.
The registration process is straightforward.
After visiting the website, provide your email address and validate your details with a passcode.
Then, provide your personal information and verify your identity. Finally, provide either a valid driving licence or national insurance number. Your passport can be current or have expired within the past year.
Once signed up, you will have centralised access to important driver and vehicle information.
They say that users could be asked for additional information, such as driving licence number, National Insurance number or vehicle log book reference number.
DVLA will send you a confirmation email when you have created your account.
At Pegasus Couriers, we use an automated system – custom-built for our fleet needs. This software is a platform for drivers to tell us day-to-day vehicle details (damage to the van, repairs needed and so on) and when the MOT and Tax are needed. We designed our own state-of-the-art software to keep our fleet in check.
If you want more information on the courier industry, read how we use technology to save time and how road safety can save lives.
The new service gives me immediate access to my penalty points, tax, MOT status and more. It simplifies managing my vehicle and driver information, providing peace of mind and ensuring continuous tax compliance.
We are always looking for new drivers to join our team. At Pegasus Couriers, we provide training, support, and opportunities for growth. We are a family-owned business with a long history of success. Contact us today to learn more about our driver opportunities.
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