Driving licence fees could fall by up to 32% following plans announced today by Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and Transport Minister Claire Perry.
These proposals would mean that the cost of a driving licence would drop by up to £16 for those getting their first licence and by up to £8 for people renewing an existing licence after 10 years. This represents an average drop of 31 per cent for online applications and 15 per cent for applications made by post.
The cost of driving can be significant, especially for new drivers. I'm pleased to say that we are planning to save drivers £18m a year by cutting licence fees.
The new fees, scheduled to come into force by October 31, stand at £34 for online applications for a new licence (down from £50) and £14 for those renewing their licence online (down from £20). Digital tachograph cards for HGV drivers would also drop in price from £38 to £32 under new plans. Prices for those applying by post could fall from £50 to £43 for a first licence and from £20 to £17 for postal renewals.
Perry said: "The cost of driving can be significant, especially for new drivers. I'm pleased to say that we are planning to save drivers £18m a year by cutting licence fees, thanks to the DVLA making significant savings to their running costs."
The DVLA is currently reviewing all of the fees it charges motorists with this consultation into prices, which was launched today and closes on August 25. With new technology making much of the DVLA’s work cheaper, it is possible that motorists could benefit from further savings in future.
Picture: Fotolia – Stu49
