Changes to payment for vehicle testing

There will be a change to the current procedure for vehicle testing.

1. From 1 April 2021 payment for the vehicle being tested will be the responsibility of the driver/proprietor. From this date the test fee will no longer be included within the application fee (2021/2022). The published fees will be amended to reflect this change. Therefore when making a new/renewal application in (2021/2022) when the new fee structure is in place payment will be required to be made directly to the garage by the proprietor/driver.
2. Those proprietors/drivers that have already paid for the test within the current financial year 2020/2021 application fees, and not received both tests before the 1 April 2021 will not be required to pay the garage directly; this will continue to be paid via Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and those presenting the vehicle for testing will have a Test Authorisation letter.
3. Once all tests paid for prior to 1 April 2021 (as part of the 20/21 fees) have passed through the system you will then be required to pay the garage directly for all future tests.

During the transition period there may be some minor issues which hopefully will be kept to a minimum.  For the fees from April 2021, please see our fees page which will be updated in March 2021 following the Licensing Committee meeting. Should you need further clarification in this matter, please email licensing@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.