DVLA, MOT, radically altered cars etc and so on

[SDB660]

DVLA have published their draft guidance re cars that have substantial changes. Major implications, especially for vehicles modified but not notified to DVLA previously.

Have created an article here that has links to DVLA source and covers, I believe, what is happening. Please share as it looks like within 20 months DVLA will have a good handle on their car database.

Finally, and for example, what is most worrying is that the proposal, to be implemented next year is for car owners to declare yearly that their car has not had "substantial change", I believe within 8 point rule, since 1988. If you lie, then the MOT station may be required to report, I believe, cars not as described.

NB: Apologies for caveats. Loads happening at moment with this.

Edited by SDB660 on Friday 15th September 00:37

[eliot]

So in the case of a power change, it means it's still subject to an MOT but remains tax excempt.

[Psycho Warren]

I don't see how being forced to go through an Mot is going to devalue a classic car.....

Any specials or heavily modified vehicles will be valued on thier own merits - like now - regardless of MoT.


People panicking over the 8 point rule are being daft. That rule has been in force for decades. Anything classic that doesnt comply has been a ticking time bomb all that time. Hardly "major" implications for the classic car market.

[SDB660]

Psycho Warren said:

That rule has been in force for decades. Anything classic that doesnt comply has been a ticking time bomb all that time. Hardly "major" implications for the classic car market.

I agree with what you say re-ticking time bombs. The problem is that despite the rules being around for decades, there are many, many cars from kits, to rods to vehicles with seven-figure price tags that will be caught in the net having never been registered correctly. Many will be owned by car enthusiasts who never even knew they could have a DVLA issue with their pride and joy.

[Artstu]

So Kit cars won't benefit from this new development and will still be required to have an annual MOT anyway.

[gtmdriver]

My UVA Fugitive is registered as a 1971 Sand Buggy.

It has not been modified since it was registered as a 1971 buggy.

it is still a 1971 Sand Buggy.

I wonder if it will need an MOT?

[dhutch]

I always get asked if my kitbuilt Westfield has 'been modified' when I insure it. Nobody has as yet been able to detail with what they base this on. It's correctly registered as a Westfield SE and it appears reasonably original, but equally I have no idea what the original spec was 26 years ago. I just say 'its a kitcar' now.

Daniel

[Artstu]

gtmdriver said:

My UVA Fugitive is registered as a 1971 Sand Buggy.

It has not been modified since it was registered as a 1971 buggy.

it is still a 1971 Sand Buggy.

I wonder if it will need an MOT?

I imagine the key to whether cars like yours are included in this new exemption will hinge on if they say this "Kit built/converted - Assembled from parts all of which may not be new" in the special notes box on the front of the V5C.

Q-plates are not part of this change and will continue to be required to have an annual MOT when they reach 40 years old by the look of it.

[eliot]

dhutch said:

I always get asked if my kitbuilt Westfield has 'been modified' when I insure it. Nobody has as yet been able to detail with what they base this on. It's correctly registered as a Westfield SE and it appears reasonably original, but equally I have no idea what the original spec was 26 years ago. I just say 'its a kitcar' now.

Daniel

Had this recently too. I called them to clarify, as i didn't want them not paying out due to mods. As it was a specific kit insurance it was ok.

[PaulKemp]

I had 3 years without mot after SVA but welcome mot every year because I drive it like I stole it and I'm not infallible when it comes to maintainance

[dhutch]

eliot said:

...as it was a specific kit insurance it was ok.

Seems sensible and confirms by understanding. Mines a q-plate anyway, 1991 so i believe pre sva.