Latest news with #V5C


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
DVLA warning to drivers over common online scam
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued an urgent warning to drivers about a new scam The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has sounded the alarm for motorists to use caution online. The alert was broadcast to drivers across social media platforms. In the message, the DVLA highlighted the perils of posting pictures of their V5C log book online. According to the agency, such actions could expose drivers to identity theft. The stark warning said: "Stay safe online – don't share photos of your V5C log book on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use them for identity theft." Commonly referred to as the registration document, vehicle logbook, or simply the V5 form, the V5C logbook is a repository of information about the vehicle, its history, and the person responsible for it. Contained within the logbook are details such as the registered keeper's address, the count of previous owners, and the unique reference number of the V5C document itself, reports the Liverpool Echo. Images of this document could potentially open up drivers to the theft of their personal information. Guidance from the government regarding online scams says: "Do not give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you're not sure they're genuine." The government urges the public to report any dubious websites, emails, phone numbers, calls, or texts that raise suspicion. For those unfortunate enough to fall prey to a phishing scam, the National Cyber Security Centre offers pertinent advice. If you've handed over your bank details, it's crucial to inform your bank immediately. Should you have received the suspect message on a work device, promptly notify your IT department. In case you clicked on a link or installed software as instructed, fire up your antivirus (AV) software, if available, and conduct a thorough scan. Let your antivirus handle any issues it uncovers. If you've given out your password, you should change the passwords for all accounts that share the same one. If you have lost money to this scam, inform your bank and report the incident to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland). The Department for Work and Pensions has also sounded the alarm on a scam with another urgent warning on social media. The government body alerted the public about a bogus "energy support scheme" scam spreading through text messages in a recent post. The DWP warned: "If you get a text about an "Energy Support Scheme" it is a scam". They further guided the public on how to report and recover from any dubious texts, calls, or emails via the Stop! Think Fraud website.


Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
DVLA warns drivers to make 'quick and easy' change now
The DVLA has issued a warning to drivers this week, asking them to make one simple change if they've moved house recently to avoid major problems further down the line The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a warning to motorists, urging them to make a crucial update to prevent future complications. The motoring authority advises that if you've moved house, it's essential to update your address details promptly. They cautioned: "If you've changed address, update your driving licence details and vehicle log book with DVLA online." Highlighting the simplicity of the process, they encourage individuals to visit their website here to carry out the updates. However, there's no need to worry about being unable to drive while waiting for your new documents as they confirm you're still permitted to do so, adding: "You must update your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), Direct Debit for vehicle tax and other details when you move home." They also clarify: "You do not need to tell us if you move temporarily (for example you're living away at university) if we can still contact you at your permanent address." You may need to change these 5 things After moving, it's important to take action on these updates as soon as possible. This includes changing your: Driving licence Vehicle log book (V5C) Direct Debit Personalised number plate documents Trailer registration certificate How can I renew my driving licence UK and how much does it cost? Whether you need to renew your full or provisional driving licence, the fee is £14 when applying online. Bear in mind, it's necessary to renew a photocard licence every 10 years. However, if you're worried about forgetting, don't worry as you'll receive a reminder before your current licence expires. To renew your licence, you must: be a resident of Great Britain (there's a different service in Northern Ireland not be disqualified from driving You'll need to apply for your first provisional licence if: you've never applied for a provisional licence before you applied for a provisional licence before March 1, 1973 Your new licence should arrive within a week of submitting your application. While there is a £14 charge, the DVLA reminds drivers that there's no fee if you're over 70 or have a medical short period licence.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers warned to act now as DVLA plans to ‘modernise' driving system
Drivers in the UK have been warned of upcoming DVLA changes that could impact millions of motorists. DVLA plans to introduce digital vehicle tax services which will 'modernise' the British driving system. This will allow motorists to renew their car tax without needing a log book or paper reminder letter. Read more: PIP claimants warned they 'face a two-tier benefits system' The upgrade is part of the DVLA's push to modernise services, meaning drivers can now tax their vehicles online even if they've lost their V5C log book or haven't received their V11 tax reminder in the post. Failing to keep your vehicle taxed could land you with a fine of up to £1,000, with enforcement cameras able to catch untaxed cars instantly. However, with millions of drivers set to hit the roads for summer holidays and festivals, experts warn that a missed renewal could ruin travel plans or lead to unexpected penalties. Cherie Carter, Director at Indigo Car Hire, has four action points for new drivers to avoid unwanted penalties. She explained: 'Firstly, it's important to log into your Driver & Vehicle Account (DVA). Make sure your email and phone number are up to date, and you should be able to receive reminders both on this topic and any other updates going forward. 'It's also important to check your personal details. One of the big reasons why so many drivers miss out on news like this is because of incorrect addresses; it could stop you from renewing online in future if you're out of date, or simply didn't update a new email or postal address. 'Verify your identity if needed: With so many security scandals of late, it's vital for both companies and users to be secure. First-time users may need to confirm their details using DVLA-approved checks. 'Finally, and this relates back to step one, but make sure you do sign up for digital reminders: Email or SMS alerts are free from the DVLA and will help you avoid fines for late renewal. 'This change is a real step forward for drivers,' Cherie continued. She added: 'Being able to tax a vehicle online without waiting for documents will save people time and hassle. 'For car hire firms and private motorists, it's another way to keep vehicles road-legal and avoid last-minute stress.'


The Herald Scotland
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald Scotland
NC500 named (second) best road trip in Europe by Reddit
Now car insurance firm Saga has taken a deep dive into the online chatter, and discovered that the NC500 was listed as one of the top car journeys for Europhiles, coming second only to the stunning landscape of Iceland's Stokksnes Peninsula. The NC500 is a 500-mile circuit of the north coast of Scotland which takes in mountain scenery, waterfalls, castles and stunning beaches. Starting in Inverness, the 516-mile route loops around the entire north coast, taking in Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross. Now world famous, the road trip has been hailed for revitalising a neglected area, but also criticised for the increase of traffic and jams caused by motorhomes. A sign near Thurso on the NC500 (Image: George Clerk) Saga Car Insurance studied which destinations are trending with travellers, based on real-time comments on the forum site Reddit, used by people across the world. Using a unique scoring system, the firm combined total mentions (25%) and total comment likes (50%) and also analysed the average sentiment of comments (25%), Saga scoured more than 73,000 Reddit comments and rated the top 10 countries and destinations for road trippers this summer. Placing the NC500 second on the list, ahead of Ring of Kerry in Ireland, the trip between the ancient sites of Meteora and Delphi in Greeca, and a visit to Stonehenge in rural Salisbury. 'Just one drink could take you over the limit, versus up to two in England. 'Pavement parking is illegal in Scotland which also bans double parking and parking on dropped kerbs. Offenders can be fined £100 by local authorities.' Complaints have been made about the number of motorhomes on the route (Image: George Clerk) Overall, Scotland as a whole was ranked third on a list of the best destinations for drivers, behind Iceland and Italy, but ahead of Norway and Ireland. Saga's Car Insurance Product Manager Ali Ingram-Seal urged motorists to be safe wherever they travel: She said: 'With so many accessible destinations in Europe to choose from, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure a smooth, stress-free road trip. 'If you're taking your own vehicle, start by checking that your car insurance covers driving in Europe, and what it covers, like loss or theft, accidental damage or medical costs following an accident. 'You'll also need to carry some important documents, such as your driving licence, V5C logbook, and proof of insurance. 'Some scenic roads, while beautiful, can include steep gradients, narrow passes, or long rural stretches without fuel stations.'


Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning for drivers over little-known 10-year number plate rule that could see you fined £1,000 – is yours valid?
Scroll to see how you can avoid this hefty fee PLATE UP Urgent warning for drivers over little-known 10-year number plate rule that could see you fined £1,000 – is yours valid? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DRIVERS are being urged to check their number plates for a little-known rule that could see them fined £1000. In 2001, a standard font was introduced to make registration numbers more legible, affecting thousands of motorists with personalised plates. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A white Mercedes GLA 250 is parked on a cobbled street in the New Town district of downtown Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Credit: Getty Personalised number plates have grown in popularity, with recent trends including different sized characters and spaces between letters. But with strict regulations in place, many drivers unknowingly fall fowl of UK driving laws and could face a fine of up to £1,000. To comply, motorists must have their number plates created by a registered supplier and be up to date with the latest certification. Plates should be made of a reflective material with black characters on a white background on the front of the vehicle and black on yellow at the rear. A spokesperson from a car leasing agency told CarReg: 'A number plate is essentially a car's passport – and you wouldn't change the format of your own passport, so why mess with your car's? 'They carry lots of important information to do with tax and licencing, and so not following the rules can result in some very large fines.' DVLA has urged drivers to check their plates have the latest certificate or retention document. The authority said: "Do you have a personalised registration that is not on a vehicle? "If it's been 10 years since the latest certificate or retention document for your registration was issued, you may need to renew it this year. It's free to renew." This comes as the authority warned drivers to be vigilant when posting online due to a rise in identity theft. Millions of drivers must make new pre-registration move from Sept. 1 - missing 2-day deadline will mean fines Crooks are becoming increasingly wise to what is being posted online - using personal information to target individuals financially. In a statement, the driving authority cautioned drivers to be vigilant when sharing documents containing details of their identity online. More specifically, sharing a V5C log book on social media could lead to identity theft, which could leave you thousands of pounds in debt. These documents contain key information on a car such as the vehicle's registration and identity number, and engine specification. But they also hold a plethora of information about owners. Details such as a person's full name and address are enough to put them in serious risk. The DVLA said: "Stay safe online – don't share photos of your V5C log book on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use them for identity theft."