DVLA Direct Debit for vehicle tax- unacceptable delay

Kim_13

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904776#Comment_81904776

Without a screenshot, it's always possible that OP simply misread it. But as their car now shows online at taxed, at worst it's a case of waiting a few hours for it to update.

Waiting a few hours is likely to be more disruptive on a weekday, so always best to do it the day before it expires at the latest. While the car would briefly have shown untaxed this morning, I expect there is a few days grace before the keeper would be fined for it (unless of course they were caught driving untaxed.)

XRS200

Don't think this is a DVLA issue.

Direct debit rules are 10 working days.

Kim_13

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904833#Comment_81904833

That is the reason for the money being taken on the 16th, but information (and the clarity of such) given about using the vehicle in the meantime is entirely within the DVLA's control.

Isthisforreal99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904870#Comment_81904870

If indeed it said what the OP thinks ot said, and others are giving a differing experience.

IOWJJBTM2025

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

If the website says it is taxed, I would assume that any police cameras will also see that the car is taxed so you should be ok.

Would be interesting to find out if you have any more information moving forwards.

Mildly_Miffed

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904833#Comment_81904833

Yep. That's DDs. They are… slow to set up from fresh.

Once they're set up, the process is simply set in train early, so it's completed by the time the transaction is expected to complete.

This is not a DVLA issue, it's a banking system issue.

MyRealNameToo

10 working days is the norm, they are saying 11 working days so not a massive outlier.

A DD is typically a 3-4 day process even on an existing mandate, the mandate itself takes time to be setup before the first payment can go. Under standard rules they must also give you 10 working days notice before taking payment, though there are ways this can be shortened.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81904743#Comment_81904743

They do have to send you notification that they are going to action the direct debit so not any advantage, just a different worded letter/ email.

jimjames

No idea what the OP was looking at - probably the payment date - but I've just taxed my car by monthly DD (it was SORNed) and the following message is very clearly displayed on the final page before you click finish.

You do not need to wait for the first payment to be taken before using the vehicle on the road.

The same message isn't repeated in the email confirmation however, that just confirms the payment details.