If you are a disabled person, or a carer for a disabled person, you may be entitled to free road tax, or a 50% discount on road tax. This is in order to help with those who are disabled face any burdens their disability presents. In this article we will go over exactly who is entitled to road tax exemption or reduction and how to claim it.
Am I eligible to road tax exemption if I am disabled?
Receiving exemption from road tax is not automatic. To be entitled to it you need to be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
The vehicle also needs to be registered in your name or a nominated drivers name. The vehicle is only to be used for the disabled persons needs. Therefore if you are the nominated driver, you can not drive the car freely or for personal use.
How to apply for exemption from Road Tax for a disability
Th process for applying for exemption from road tax on the basis of disability is different depending on if you are applying it to a new or a used car.
Road tax exemption for new cars
The process is very simple if you are buying a new car. You just need to take your certificate of entitlement (evidence of the benefit) to the dealership and the tax exemption will be set up for you.
Road tax exemption for used cars
For used cars the process is a little more complex but claiming road tax exemption is still relatively simple.
You will need to apply for road tax exemption from the Post Office. When you go there to apply you will need the following documents:
- a V5C registration certificate (logbook) or the green new keeper slip and a filled in ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’ (V62)
- a Certificate of Entitlement to DLA, PIP, CDP, ADP, AFIP or WPMS (please write the
registration number of the vehicle in the top right hand corner) - an original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
If you are based in Northern Ireland you will also need to bring a certificate of insurance or a cover letter. Photocopies of this are not accepted, however faxed or downloaded versions are fine.
Am I entitled to a 50% reduction in road tax?
If you receive one of the following benefits you will be entitled to a 50% reduction in your road tax:
How do I apply for the 50% reduction in road tax?
You will need the following documents to apply for the road tax reduction:
- a letter or statement from the Department for Work and Pensions that shows your PIP rate and the dates you’re getting it – if you’re getting PIP
- an ADP decision letter from Social Security Scotland that shows your mobility component rate and the dates you’re getting it – if you’re getting ADP
- the vehicle log book (V5C)
- a V10 form
- an original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
- a cheque or payable order (made out to ‘DVLA, Swansea’) for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle
- an insurance certificate or cover note (if you live in Northern Ireland)
You will need to send your application to the DVLA to this address:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BF
Please note that you should not send your PIP assessment or any other medical information to the DVLA
How do you renew road tax exemption/reduction
Once you have claimed the road tax exemption you will receive the tax class of ‘disabled’. However you will still be responsible for ensuring the vehicle remains taxed when it is due the next year.
Before the renewal is due you will be sent a V11 Vehicle Tax Reminder by the DVLA. You can renew your tax in three different ways:
- On the DVLA Vehicle Tax Page
- by phone on 0300 123 4321
- at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax
Road tax exemption/reduction FAQ
What restrictions apply if I am exempt from road tax based on disability?
The vehicle is only allowed to be used by the disabled person or a nominated driver (usually a carer) who helps the disabled person. There is restrictions on what the nominated driver can use the car for. It must only be used for purposes that help the disabled person, for example to collect a prescription or shopping.
The vehicle should not be driven for personal use by the nominated driver. For example this means you can not use the vehicle to go to work, or to take a long distance trip without the disabled person.
What if my road tax exemption/reduction is taken away?
If the vehicle is used in a way that falls afoul of the restrictions, or the disabled person is no longer entitled to the disability benefit then the entitlement to exemption from road tax is lost. If this happens the vehicle must be changed from the tax class ‘disabled’ and taxed in the appropriate class.
You can do this at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. Make sure you take the following documents:
- VC5 Certificate
- Current MOT certificate (unless your vehicle is exempt from MOT)
- The appropriate fee (if applicable)
Again if you are based in Northern Ireland you will also need to bring a certificate of insurance or a cover letter. Photocopies of this are not accepted, however faxed or downloaded versions are fine.
Does the DVLA lower rate mobility component entitle me to anything?
Unfortunately not, if you claim the DVLA lower rate mobility component you are not entitled to a reduction or exemption from road tax.
What other road benefits am I entitled to?
If you are able to claim road tax exemption or discount due to a disability, it is very likely you already hold a blue badge. If you do hold a blue badge, you may also be entitled to the following benefits:
- Parking – exemption from many parking restrictions.
- You can park free of charge in Pay and Display bays and at on street metered parking.
- For up to 3 hours you can park on single or double lines. This does not apply if it is signaled that there is ban on loading or unloading.
- Motability Scheme – This scheme can help you obtain a vehicle. Either through helping you lease a car, a powered wheelchair or a scooter. However in order to be eligible to the Motability Scheme you need to be receiving one of the following benefits:
- higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
- Vat Relief on Vehicles – If you need to buy a vehicle that is adapted to suit your condition you are not obligated to pay VAT on that vehicle.
- Free bus pass or rail card – You may be entitled to free bus or rail travel.
As a carer do I get road tax reduction or exemption?
Yes you an be nominated as the driver of a disabled person who needs your help with day to day life. However you do need to follow the restrictions outlined above and not drive the vehicle for personal use or you risk losing the exemption.
