Peter James Insurance has welcomed the latest changes to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) historic vehicle registration policy, describing the announcement as another positive step in helping enthusiasts preserve and enjoy Britain’s motoring heritage.
The DVLA registration reforms, announced on 3 August, represent the latest stage of the DVLA’s vehicle registration policy revisions following its 2024 Call for Evidence. The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), of which Peter James is a proud insurance partner, believes the changes address the remaining major concerns raised by the historic vehicle community.
Among the most significant revisions is an update to the policy covering reconstructed classic vehicles. The DVLA will now accept newly constructed ‘period typical’ bodies fitted to vehicles with an original chassis, providing greater clarity for owners restoring historically accurate vehicles.
The agency has also confirmed that, for vehicles originally supplied overseas in completely knocked down (CKD) form, the official date of manufacture can now be recognised as the date the vehicle left the original factory, rather than when final assembly took place.
The FBHVC has praised the work undertaken by DVLA officials throughout the review process, describing the approach as both sympathetic and pragmatic in addressing the unique challenges associated with historic vehicles.
FBHVC Technical Director Ian Edmunds said:
“We will, of course, continue to pursue the few minor matters that remain and any new ones which may appear.”
Dave Youngs, Head of Classic at Peter James Insurance, said the announcement reflects the collaborative approach that benefits everyone involved in the historic vehicle movement.
“This is genuinely good news for the classic vehicle community. Restoring and preserving historic vehicles has always relied on owners being able to navigate registration processes with confidence, and these changes provide greater clarity while recognising the unique nature of our hobby.
“As proud insurance partners of the FBHVC, we share its commitment to keeping historic vehicles on the road for future generations to enjoy. Whether that’s through practical support for clubs and enthusiasts or by providing specialist insurance designed around the way classic vehicles are owned and used, our aim has always been to help preserve our motoring heritage. These latest reforms are another welcome step in supporting that shared goal.”
The Federation believes the latest announcement addresses all of the major issues raised by the historic vehicle sector and says it remains encouraged by the constructive dialogue established with the DVLA throughout the review process.
Useful Links
The INF318 leaflet can be downloaded here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a6c7ab5cceb23e867897787/inf318-making-changes-to-a-vehicle.pdf
The text of INF318 can be viewed online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-changes-to-a-vehicle-and-registering-kit-built-kit-converted-and-reconstructed-classic-vehicles-inf318/making-changes-to-a-vehicle-and-registering-kit-built-kit-converted-and-reconstructed-classic-vehicles-inf318
The entire DVLA vehicle registration guide can be seen here: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/print
The Federation’s guide to DVLA and the ’40-year rule’ is here: https://fbhvc.co.uk/mot-exemption-information
Federation Reviewing Two Government Consultations
Alongside the registration policy changes, the FBHVC’s Legislation Committee is currently examining two Department for Transport consultations before submitting responses on behalf of the historic vehicle movement.
The first, ‘Regulating environmental impact of in-use emissions of road vehicles’, seeks views on proposals to strengthen legislation surrounding vehicle emissions.
Although the consultation is not aimed at historic vehicles, it has prompted discussion around modified vehicles that may one day qualify as historic. The Department for Transport has stressed that it is not seeking to prohibit legitimate vehicle modifications or the use of approved aftermarket parts, while making clear that the removal of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) remains illegal.
The proposals are primarily intended to bring Euro 5 and newer vehicles, introduced from 2011 onwards, into line with earlier emissions regulations, while potentially extending the legislation to additional vehicle classes, including motorcycles.
The second consultation, ‘Automated vehicles: statement of safety principles’, builds on last year’s work surrounding autonomous vehicle legislation.
While it has no direct implications for historic vehicles, the Federation will continue to advocate for automated vehicles to be capable of recognising and safely interacting with historic vehicles, which may display characteristics that differ from modern traffic, including the use of hand signals rather than direction indicators and the operation of specialist vehicles such as steam-powered cars.
Further information on the Federation’s consultation work can be found here: https://fbhvc.co.uk/consultations
