In 2025, the average road tax cost was £195 a year. However, as per the rules of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), not everyone has to pay.
On the Government website it explains that if you are disabled you can get a vehicle tax exemption for one vehicle, if you’re eligible. “The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name,” GOV.UK says.
“The vehicle must be used for a disabled person’s personal needs. It cannot be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use.”
You can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the:
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
How to claim
You claim the exemption when you apply for vehicle tax. If you’re claiming for a vehicle for the first time, you have to claim at a Post Office. You must do this every time you change your vehicle.
Half price vehicle tax
If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements above, you could still get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name.
You can get the reduction if you get the:
- PIP standard rate mobility component
- ADP standard rate mobility component
Certain types of vehicle are also “exempt” from vehicle tax. This means that you do not need to pay for the vehicle tax.
However, it is vital to remember that you must still tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.
Historic vehicles
Vehicles made before January 1, 1985 are exempt from paying. You can check if your vehicle is eligible at gov.uk/ historic-vehicles.
Mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs
Vehicles are exempt if the following apply:
- They have a maximum speed of 8mph on the road
- They are fitted with a device that limits them to 4mph on footways
Mowing machines
The DVLA states: “You do not have to pay vehicle tax on a mower that’s designed and used for cutting grass only. This does not include tractors used to tow gang mowers.”
Steam vehicles
You do not have to pay vehicle tax on any steam-powered vehicle.
Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture and forestry
Electric heavy goods vehicles
Electric heavy goods vehicles that weigh over 3,500kg are exempt. Previously, electric cars, vans, motorcycles and tricycles were also exempt from road tax.
However, this rule changed on April 1 this year. Hybrid electric vehicles are also required to pay tax.
For more information and to check if you are exempt, visit gov.uk/vehicle-exempt-from-vehicle-tax.