Direct Debit and Taxing a Car - Delay?

[lost in espace]

I just taxed my car online, and chose the direct debit option. I spotted that the payment would be taken on 17 March just as I clicked confirm saw that the tax would not be effective until the first payment. Damn. Anyone know if this is right?

I tried getting through to the DVLA but failed, tried going through the payment procedure again but can't do so. We need to start using the car from the end of the week. I suppose I can go to the Post Office and pay there for 6 months and cancel the dd when it shows as active.

Any other solutions?

This is the email I got from the DVLA but still shows untaxed when I checked.

THIS IS AN AUTOMATED EMAIL - PLEASE DO NOT REPLY AS EMAILS
RECEIVED AT THIS ADDRESS CANNOT BE RESPONDED TO.

Confirmation of vehicle tax.

Thank you for using DVLA Vehicle Licensing Online.
Your application for vehicle tax has been successful.

Vehicle Registration Number: EU55 DBY
Reference Number: 9209 3229 7586 6227
Application Made On: 03/03/2021 11:20:38
Vehicle Tax Period: 12 months
Vehicle Tax Amount Paid: GBP 346.50
Direct Debit Mandate Reference Number: 000000 000044 574362 001

The law has changed, you do not need to display a tax disc, therefore we will not issue one to you.

You may wish to save or print this email confirmation for your records.

[Bollah]

My DD recently stopped with the DVLA (no idea why) so called them, spoke to them and re-did my DD online. Once this has been done the car is taxed, although it took a couple of days for online portal to update to show the car was taxed, so as long as you have the mail confirmation, you should be okay

[lost in espace]

"OK, It would help if I explained that it takes DVLA 14 days to set up the Direct Debit with your bank, this is why the first payment is taken on the 17th of March.

Provided that you have had an email from us to say your tax transaction is successful (which appears you have), you may still drive until the Direct Debit is taken on the 14th."

From their chat agent. I have the email so am ok phew!

[anonymous-user]

Yes there is a delay for the tax showing up on the vehicle. Not to worry.

[texaxile]

Yep, taxed my lancer yesterday by monthly dd, still showing as sorn printed out the DVLA receipt which also states that the vehicle is taxed from the 1st March. Roll on December when it’s 40 years old and free.