Publication scheme

The publication scheme specifies the categories of information that we publish and explains how to obtain that information.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires public authorities to adopt and maintain a publication scheme, the purpose of which is to: 

  • specify the classes of information we have committed to publish 
  • say how we will make that information available 
  • say whether the information is available free of charge or on payment 

Our publication scheme follows the Information Commissioner’s model publication scheme for public authorities. 

There is a separate publication scheme for the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain. 

About this publication scheme 

This is the publication scheme for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). It is not a list of individual publications but rather a description of the classes or types of information that we are committed to publishing. 

The scheme is not an exhaustive list of all the types of information that we publish. Our policy is to publish proactively as much information as we can where that information would have a wider public interest. 

The scheme does not include information that we consider to be sensitive, such as: 

  • certain types of commercial or personal information  
  • information about security matters 
  • legal advice 

Most DVSA publications are available online and are subject to our accessible documents policy. If publications are not available online, see the details of how to obtain printed copies.  

Feedback and complaints about the scheme 

Email DVSA if you would like to provide feedback about the publication scheme, or have a specific complaint.

DVSA FOI team
[email protected]

Classes of information 

Who we are and what we do 

You can find information on our practices. This includes: 

What we spend and how we spend it 

You can find information on our spending within DVSA. This information includes: 

What our priorities are and how we are doing 

You can find information on how we are performing against our priorities. This includes: 

How we make decisions 

You can find information on the decisions we make as DVSA. This includes: 

Our policies and procedures 

You can find information on the policies and procedures we adhere to when conducting our work. This includes: 

Lists and registers 

The services we offer 

You can find information on our: 

Charges that may be made for information published under this scheme 

When the department publishes information online, it is available for you to view free of charge. If you do not have access to the Internet, a single printed copy of any web pages can be sent to you free of charge. 

The following may be charged if a person requests multiple copies of a publication: 

  • photocopying 
  • postage and packaging 
  • costs directly incurred as a result of viewing information 

You will be told if there will be a charge and how much it will be before the information is sent or supplied to you. 

Written requests 

Information held by a public authority that is not published under this scheme can be requested in writing and its provision will be considered in accordance with the provisions of the FOIA and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004. 

We publish a list of published FOI and EIR responses and you may make a FOI request to the department at any time. 

General enquiries regarding DVSA publications 

Email DVSA if you have any enquiries about our publication scheme.

DVSA FOI team
[email protected]

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