DVLA Direct Debit for vehicle tax- unacceptable delay

Geluk1

Today [SUNDAY 1st Mar] I went to DVLA Website to pay my car tax; to make easier for me and DVLA,
I took Annual DIRECT DEBIT payment option.
Horrified to see at end of process, says payment will be taken on 16/3/26, and that I can't drive vehicle till then; madness.

Went back to 'pay immediately' option; not possible website says, as DD payment pending.

Have to try + call on Monday to cancel DD, and pay by card.

Kim_13

When I set one up for a family member previously it said they could use the vehicle in the interim. The only way they wouldn't be allowed to was if they cancelled the DD before collection, as vehicle tax would then revert to expiring at the end of the month before.

Check the vehicle on the check vehicle tax site in a few hours - if it shows as taxed, you're good to go.

tedted

When I've done this it says that I can drive now and the first payment is taken on the 16th and thereafter on the the 1st of the next month

Ayr_Rage

What does the status say when you use the online tax checker?

p00hsticks

As an aside, I'm not sure why you think it is easier for DLVA to be taking a monthly Direct Debit payment than a single upfront payment. It may help your budgeting but almost certainly doesn't make it simpler for them.

IOWJJBTM2025

I paid my car tax yesterday (28th Feb) On the V11 form at the top it says "Your Vehicle Tax runs out on 28 February 2026.

I paid the 12 month fee of £195 in full by credit card.

If you only paid today then you was late. Your tax ran out at midnight last night.

It looks like there is a fault in the payment process because if you are late you should only be able to select to pay in full.

If you are worried you can pay in full now (DVLA vehicle tax service - Telephone: 0300 123 4321 24-hour service) or go to the Post office tomorrow with all your details

IOWJJBTM2025

Have just read the Vehicle Tax Website - I do not think that they could make it any more confusing.

In one sentence it gives an example where you can apply for direct debit on the 1st of July if your previous direct debit runs out on 30th June. But then in another section it warns a £80 fine if you do not tax or SORN.

If you have had a message to say you cannot drive the vehicle until 16th, I would suggest paying via 24 hour service today.

I have just checked my car tax status on line from paying yesterday and it has updated stating Tax Due: 1 March 2027.

Kim_13

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904609#Comment_81904609

A single Direct Debit payment is offered at the same rate as a single card payment (has previously been lower for some motorcycles.) This should be easier for DVLA as they still collect the tax for the year in one go, but then don't have to issue reminder letters as it renews automatically until the motorist cancels it.

Geluk1

Update;

Pleased to report DVLA site now shows as TAXED which it wasn't earlier. During the DD set up process towards end , website definitely says your payment will be taken on 16th and that's earliest you can drive. Trawling their website there is contrary statement stating you CAN DRIVE if you've had e mail confirming DD is in process:)

WellKnownSid

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904757#Comment_81904757

I've never know the DVLA website ever say that, it's taxed as soon as you confirm payment (even if it was paid with a credit or debit card the money won't be with them 'straight away'). Was there some issue with a DD payment previously?

paul_c123

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904757#Comment_81904757

Do you have a screenshot?