The DVLA is considering major changes to classic car restoration rules with a new consultation set to explore new proposals. 

Updates could make it easier for owners to modify historic vehicles to dramatically improve their performance. 

The new driving rules may also simplify laws around retrofitting vehicles with electric powertrains to bring classics into the 21st century. 

According to the Department for Transport, rules around how classic cars are re-registered after being restored and upgraded have remained largely the same since the 1980s. 

Under the current rules, classic car owners converting an older car to run on electric power are required to re-register it. 

However, the newly converted EV may then be considered a radically altered vehicle meaning it may have to pass safety standards for modern vehicles.

This will mean cars having to go through checks and follow structure rules which likely puts many classic car owners off having work done. 

Chiefs accepted the rules did not account for all historic vehicles with more modern technology at their disposal. 

Transport Secretary Mark Harper revealed the move could help “protect” classic vehicles for “decades to come”. 

He said: “The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come.

“Alongside our record £8.3 billion increase to resurface local roads and the 30-point Plan for Drivers, today’s call for evidence is the latest part of the government’s plan to back drivers, support skilled jobs, and grow the economy.”

The new call for evidence is urging drivers, classic car enthusiasts and the industry to share possible proposals for future rule changes. 

These will then be considered by the DVLA with possible law changes coming later.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive Officer explained: “As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date.

“This is one of the many ways we are looking to make things easier and simpler for our customers and we want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.”