DVLA - Changing to disabled car tax? Conflicting information
Discussion
Does anyone know what the correct procedure is to apply for the disabled car tax. The Gov UK website seems to be all over the place!
One page (https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-tax-exemption-disability) says that if I'm applying for the first time, I have to go to the post office in order to do it.
This page however (https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-tax-class/tax-due-to-run-out-or-changing-if-vehicle-is-exempt) says that I need to apply by post. But then further down states I need to take proof of my eligibility with me to the post office... It's literally all over the place and very confusing!
Does anyone know the actual correct procedure?
One page (https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-tax-exemption-disability) says that if I'm applying for the first time, I have to go to the post office in order to do it.
This page however (https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-tax-class/tax-due-to-run-out-or-changing-if-vehicle-is-exempt) says that I need to apply by post. But then further down states I need to take proof of my eligibility with me to the post office... It's literally all over the place and very confusing!
Does anyone know the actual correct procedure?
Fishmoint said:
Sorry for the hijack, my wife has high rate mobility pip issued, we have one car which I use to ferry her about as she had to surrender her licence some years ago, could she use her award to tax this car?
It's not a mobility car though, e90 bmw about ten years old
Yes you can.It's not a mobility car though, e90 bmw about ten years old
It's expected that you use the car for the benefit of the person claiming pip, but shopping, going to work to earn money, and taking the person out are all accepted.
Basically use it as a normal family vehicle you are fine. Start doing food or parcel delivery, you are in trouble.
My wife had a stroke a few years ago and unfortunately had to stop driving. Life continued as normal for the next couple of years with me doing all the driving. She is on the highest level of PIP and I was not aware of this exemption and continued to tax the car. It was only when it was pointed out to me that as I was my wife’s Carer I could apply to change the vehicle duty to disabled. It also provides free Dartford Crossing, Congestion charge exemptions etc, so well worth applying for. A Blue Badge is also worth considering.
Plus8 said:
My wife had a stroke a few years ago and unfortunately had to stop driving. Life continued as normal for the next couple of years with me doing all the driving. She is on the highest level of PIP and I was not aware of this exemption and continued to tax the car. It was only when it was pointed out to me that as I was my wife’s Carer I could apply to change the vehicle duty to disabled. It also provides free Dartford Crossing, Congestion charge exemptions etc, so well worth applying for. A Blue Badge is also worth considering.
Could you also get a Motability car?Plus8 said:
My wife had a stroke a few years ago and unfortunately had to stop driving. Life continued as normal for the next couple of years with me doing all the driving. She is on the highest level of PIP and I was not aware of this exemption and continued to tax the car. It was only when it was pointed out to me that as I was my wife’s Carer I could apply to change the vehicle duty to disabled. It also provides free Dartford Crossing, Congestion charge exemptions etc, so well worth applying for. A Blue Badge is also worth considering.
As a slight aside, lots of tourist attractions will give someone claiming carers allowance, a reduced, or free entry when with the person they care for, even if it's your partner, or child, just need your PIP, and carers letters, and id.Higher rate mobility is worth about £240-£250 per month. If you are higher rate then you are automatically entitled to a motability vehicle but will forego the cash.
For my parents it worked out well, insurance, tax, tyres, and servicing is included, but I usually want something a bit desirable and that means large advance payments £3-5k and even at that you wont have the nice engine options.
For example you can get most of the mercedes 'A' series, A class, cla, gla etc. And with £3k advance payments you can end up in a new merc CLA AMG line which looks very nice but you will still only be able to choose the 180, 200 or 220 diesel engines.
For my parents it worked out well, insurance, tax, tyres, and servicing is included, but I usually want something a bit desirable and that means large advance payments £3-5k and even at that you wont have the nice engine options.
For example you can get most of the mercedes 'A' series, A class, cla, gla etc. And with £3k advance payments you can end up in a new merc CLA AMG line which looks very nice but you will still only be able to choose the 180, 200 or 220 diesel engines.
Plus8 said:
Absolutely correct, many attractions give free entry to “Carer” or person accompanying the wheelchair user. With regards to MobIlity Vehicle, I always assumed it was Income assessed and therefore we wouldn’t qualify. Must look into that, thanks.
PIP payments are not attached to income.If you get full rate mobility, and have over 1 year of award left, you can get a mobility car.
I didn't know this existed for years. I don't think it's on the VED renewal form, or wasn't when I checked.
Worth noting that although the free Dartford Crossing is automatic, last time I checked exemption from the London congestion charge had to be applied for in advance.
It always seemed odd to me that the Dartford Crossing is free, but hospital parking, where you're likely to be more often and for longer than a fully fit person, isn't.
Worth noting that although the free Dartford Crossing is automatic, last time I checked exemption from the London congestion charge had to be applied for in advance.
It always seemed odd to me that the Dartford Crossing is free, but hospital parking, where you're likely to be more often and for longer than a fully fit person, isn't.
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