If you own a classic car, kit car, or even a modern EV conversion, you probably heard whispers about the DVLA’s call for evidence. Alongside the Department for Transport (DfT), they launched a consultation to review how historic, classic, rebuilt, and electrically converted vehicles are registered.
The response? Over 1,300 submissions from individuals, car clubs, restorers, manufacturers and enthusiasts — all keen to have their say on the rules that affect how our beloved classics are identified, registered and enjoyed.
The full summary report was published in December 2024, and while it’s not yet changing policy, it gives a fascinating insight into what owners think — and what might be coming next.
We know at White’s Bodyworks that classic car owners are a passionate bunch, but navigating the DVLA’s registration rules can feel like a maze. Whether you’re restoring a barn-find, rebuilding a Land Rover from parts, or converting a Morris Minor to electric, how the DVLA defines your car affects everything — from keeping your original number plate to whether you end up with a dreaded Q-plate.
This review asked for input on nine key areas, including:
So, what exactly is a “classic” vehicle? The responses show that even enthusiasts don’t all agree.
However, the majority agreed that no major overhaul of the current process is needed. In fact, nearly half of respondents said the existing registration system works well, though some called for tweaks to make life easier when proving a vehicle’s provenance.
There was also strong support for retaining age-related registration numbers, especially where original plates have been lost but the vehicle’s age can still be verified through marque experts or clubs.
One area that did generate debate was safety testing. While 36% of respondents said no extra safety checks are needed, many others supported the idea of a sympathetic MOT-style test for classic cars — one that focuses on basic roadworthiness but doesn’t penalise older technology.
Suggestions included:
This reflects a common-sense attitude among enthusiasts: yes, safety matters, but classics aren’t daily commuters and shouldn’t be judged by modern standards.
The report spends considerable time exploring the distinctions between “rebuilt”, “reconstructed” and “restored” vehicles — and it’s clear that owners want clarity.
A rebuilt vehicle, most said, is one returned to its original specification using a mix of old and new parts, often keeping its chassis, VIN, or body shell. Most owners felt the current guidance works, but nearly half want it updated to reflect modern restoration methods and the growing use of remanufactured parts.
When it comes to reconstructed classics, opinion was split. Some say the rules are fine; others think they’re outdated and fail to recognise that using new parts is often unavoidable. The majority agreed that authenticity and specification matter more than the age of individual components.
For restored vehicles, more than half of respondents said the same policy as rebuilt vehicles should apply, keeping things simple. Restoration, they argued, is part of normal maintenance — not a reason to change a car’s identity.
The kit car community also had their say. Most agreed that current rules work well enough, but many called for simpler and fairer legislation. Over 70% believe reconditioned or remanufactured components should be treated the same as new ones, provided they meet safety and performance standards.
When it comes to “radically altered” vehicles — those heavily modified from their original form — the definition most owners agreed on was “any major change to original components or appearance.” But again, the tone of responses suggests that enthusiasts want consistency and flexibility, not stricter controls.
One of the hottest topics was classic car electrification. Converting internal-combustion classics to EVs is becoming more popular, but the registration rules haven’t caught up.
A clear majority said electric conversions need their own policy. The main themes were:
Enthusiasts want reassurance that conversions are safe, but also want to protect the vehicle’s identity — avoiding unnecessary reclassification or the dreaded Q-plate just because the drivetrain has changed.
Ah, the Q-plate — few things stir more emotion among classic owners. The report confirms that most respondents think Q-registrations should only be used when a vehicle’s identity truly can’t be proven. Many felt the current system is unfair, devalues vehicles, and risks erasing heritage.
A large 59% said that age-related registration numbers should be issued instead, provided the car’s provenance can be verified.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system is another area that drew feedback. Most agreed the DVLA should issue a VIN only when the original identity is lost or the origin can’t be confirmed.
There was strong support for working with marque experts and owners’ clubs to authenticate vehicles, rather than relying solely on DVLA internal assessments.
As one respondent put it: “Trust the people who know the cars best.”
A resounding 70% of respondents supported creating independent advisory groups to help the DVLA handle historic vehicle registrations. The idea is to bring in expertise from classic car clubs, restorers, and industry specialists, ensuring decisions are informed by real-world knowledge rather than rigid bureaucracy.
Even those who weren’t sure agreed that the DVLA should make better use of existing motoring organisations — after all, enthusiasts have decades of combined experience identifying, restoring and preserving classic vehicles.
You can read the full DVLA Response Summary Report (PDF) here.
If you’re restoring, maintaining or converting a classic vehicle, make sure it’s in expert hands. Contact White’s Bodyworks in Sussex for trusted repairs, restorations and advice – helping you keep your pride and joy on the road for years to come.
