All 39 DVLA regional offices will be closed by the end of 2013. This is what the Government is planning.

Roads Minister, Mike Penning said "centralising the DVLA's services is the first crucial step towards making more of its transactions available online, allowing people to deal with the DVLA at their chosen time and place. This will mean quicker turnarounds and meet our customers' growing needs."

He said the centralising of services will provide "much more choice and flexibility around how and when motorists deal with the DVLA," including electronically and in partnership with others.

DVLA chief executive Simon Tse said the plan was based on the fact that "times change and customers' needs change". "It's essential that we move with the times and make the best use of our services and experience to make sure we give the motor industry and the general public a service that is fit for the 21st Century."