THOUSANDS of drivers are bracing for a huge DVLA change to roadworthiness tests and registration rules.

This change could mean that those who own certain types of cars would have to adhere to new rules.

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It follows a consultation of the DVLA regarding the future of the classic car sector.

The agency finally released long-awaited responses to a call for evidence earlier this year to see if significant changes could be made to improve the industry.

In May, the Government has launched a call for evidence to gauge the attitudes of classic car owners to see if policies need to be updated, particularly with the growth of electric vehicle technology.

One of the main questions was whether there should be a separate registration process for historic and classic vehicles and whether new safety checks should be introduced.

The call for evidence received 1,371 responses, including 1,162 from individuals and 129 from organisations, some of which have publicly called for more to be done to support the classic car industry.

The DVLA has published long-awaited responses to a call for evidence earlier this year regarding the future of the classic car sector and whether radical changes could be made to improve the industry.

Almost half of respondents (49%) to the call for evidence said the current process for registering historic vehicles works well and that a separate system is not needed.

Seven percent said small changes could be made to improve the service, while seven percent said age-related registration numbers should be retained.

A further 86 percent said there was no need to establish a specific series of registration numbers for historic and classic vehicles.

Classic car owners were also opposed to the need for a new type of safety check, an idea supported by almost 400 respondents.

Despite this, 28 percent believe there should be at least basic technical inspection.

One respondent said: “Yes, a ‘friendly’ style MOT linked to age and status would be useful, particularly for classic cars which are driven quite regularly.

The call for evidence was met with mixed responses when it came to electric conversions, which have become more popular in recent years as owners seek to extend the longevity of their vehicles.

A number of suggestions were put forward to ensure future guidance was more motorist-friendly, with 11 per cent saying it was too restrictive, making it difficult to retain original identity and registration number .

Meanwhile, nine per cent said electric conversions should not be classed as rebuilt classic or historic vehicles, while a similar proportion said the DVLA should allow additional modifications to improve safety.

In response, one classic car owner said: “The instructions are incorrect because restoring or slightly modifying a vehicle doesn’t change what it is. »

The DVLA has published long-awaited responses to a call for evidence earlier this year regarding the future of the classic car sector and whether radical changes could be made to improve the industry.

In May, the government launched a call for evidence to gauge the attitudes of classic car owners to determine whether policies needed to be updated, particularly with the development of electric vehicle technology.

One of the main questions was whether there should be a separate registration process for historic and classic vehicles and whether new safety checks should be introduced.

A further 86 percent said there was no need to establish a specific series of registration numbers for historic and classic vehicles.

Classic car owners were also opposed to the need for a new type of safety check, an idea supported by almost 400 respondents. Despite this, 28 percent believe there should be at least basic technical inspection.

One respondent said: “Yes, a ‘friendly’ style MOT linked to age and status would be useful, particularly for classic cars which are driven quite regularly.

The call for evidence was met with mixed responses when it came to electric conversions, which have become more popular in recent years as owners seek to extend the longevity of their vehicles.

A number of suggestions were put forward to ensure future guidance was more motorist-friendly, with 11 per cent saying it was too restrictive, making it difficult to retain original identity and registration number .

Meanwhile, nine per cent said electric conversions should not be classed as rebuilt classic or historic vehicles, while a similar proportion said the DVLA should allow additional modifications to improve safety.

In response, one classic car owner said: “The instructions are incorrect because restoring or slightly modifying a vehicle doesn’t change what it is. »

The DVLA thanked respondents to the call for evidence, adding: “The findings of this high-level summary report reflect the responses received.

“More detailed analysis and review of responses is underway with a view to formulating proposals for potential change.”

Speaking as the call for evidence was launched, former Transport Secretary Mark Harper said it was “fantastic” to see so many keen drivers and classic car organisations.

As part of the launch, the former Conservative MP for Forest of Dean attended Bicester Heritage and was able to walk the historic track and see the benefits of electrified classic vehicles.

He told GB News: “There are current rules preventing people from doing it (converting their classics to electric vehicles).

“If people want to upgrade their classic cars, which a lot of people do, we want to make sure they can do it more easily, more consistently and that the rules make sense.

“That’s one of the things we want people to tell us, and the companies here involved in this sector are absolutely going to tell us what to think.”

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