DVLA and registration

[andywsussex]

Hi everyone.

Having passed the SVA last Tuesday I'm now having the pleasure of registering my Dax. I'd just like to say that Luke at VOSA Gillingham is an outstanding SVA inspector and is only keen to see that the thing is properly built rather than concentrating on all the silly radius rules. He also has plenty of admiration for a nice car, and is apprecitative of a good build.

Anyway, went to Brighton DVLA Local office today. Typically its about 50 miles from me just like everything to do with government. No problem with paperwork - happy to give me an age related plate. Just needs an inspection. Why - just to check the VIN number! They're happy to come out to inspect it - BUT:
- the inspector who does my area is on holiday...
- for two more weeks

Its ok though, because the other inspector is covering their area - BUT:
- it'll be three weeks before they'd be with me!

Typical. So, I need to get it to them. Don't fancy the trailering fees really.

Interestingly though, the chap at the DVLA said its legal to drive an unregistered vehicle to a DVLA vehicle identity check if its prebooked so long as I'm insured. Mmmnn... I understood its only to the SVA or MoT. I asked him if he was sure - he asked the branch manager, who agreed. So, I'm taking it as legal. Does anyone agree???? Does anyone in law enforcement know?

I get the pleasure, therefore, of driving my Cobra into the middle of Brighton (the DVLA are by the main train station!) first thing on Monday morning. Anyone who's driven in Brighton will know why this is not a thought I relish. Would the resident copper care to give me a police escort through the city to save my poor lil' left foot from certain death in the traffic queues, I know you're down that way somewhere!

Andy

[TINKA]

Sorry but my DVLA inspector ( who came out to my house ) told me it was not legal to drive my car to the DVLA Office and I know of others who have had the same advice. Having said this there are people who do drive them their so in the end it is up to you. But I would look into it a bit more first as it is you neck on the line not theirs IF they have got it wrong.

[Purple AK]

Hi Andy.

If Brighton DVLA say it's ok go for it! :thumb: The guys at Chequered Flag Imports in Lewes drive there jap stuff down there for inspection
Cheers

[andywsussex]

Cheers Martin, Chris.

I wondered who else would be having vehicles inspected - I guess its all the Jap cars then! And these must be driven without plates or a reg? I'm guessing I'm in the same boat as those - my paperwork is submitted and processed, just awaiting the vehicle check before allocating a number.

Having looked at the DVLA website there's talk of a Vehicle Idenitity Check - but when you look into it more its to do with a VIC carried out by VOSA on behalf of the DVLA - in the case of a vehicle written off as stolen and having been repaired. For those its no legal - I wonder if there's confusion because of this? I guess its give them a call time.

Don't you love joined up government?!

Andy

[MacGD016]

Why not ask them to put it in writting, if they can't why not!

[TonyD]

Originally Posted by Purple AK

Hi Andy.

If Brighton DVLA say it's ok go for it! :thumb: The guys at Chequered Flag Imports in Lewes drive there jap stuff down there for inspection
Cheers

I wonder if they use trade plates, in which case it could be legal.

The answer is to get the car inspected, either have them come to you or you trailer the car over to the DVLA office , when its almost finished before you go for the SVA. Then once youve got the MAC its straight down to the local DVLA office and get the legals done whilst you wait.

Cheers,

Tony

[andywsussex]

Mac, I asked them for a letter or something and their response was that if they stop me, simply get them to phone their office and they'll confirm everything. They said they'd do me a letter, but it'd be next week before I got it because it'd come from the branch manager. A bit too late given the inspection is Monday!

Tony, I know I should have done it the other way around, but I needed the SVA to be allowed to take it onto a local airfield for a good laugh. I did try a while ago to arrange the inspection, but with the system where you phone the local office handlers at DVLA Swansea who then get your local office to phone you back, they never actually got back to me. I then managed to forget about it. Oh well.

Does anyone know a really good value trailering company in the South-East? Someone in the local pub is in the business, but even with mates' rates it'll cost me an arm and a leg.

I love the bureaucracy of this business.

Andy

[Keith S]

I drove mine with no plates to the DVLA in Maidstone by appointment, they checked the engine and chassis numbers and within 20 mins I had the paperwork to get my plates made up.

[andywsussex]

Keith,

Did they tell you that it was ok to do this? I have the feeling this is one of those things where the different offices are left to their own devices. According to the DVLA they have a certain amount of autonomy in how they do these things. I've had no luck finding out from Swansea because all they want to do is put me through to Brighton who of course have already told me what they think!

Arrghhh!!!

Andy

[Dutch Paul]

Simply book the car in for an MOT with the closest garage to where you`re going :thumb: :thumb:

Simple really :angel: :angel: