MoT re-test rule changes - read VOSA press-release

Update 16.09.2005 - Summary of Inspection Review - DVLA Sept 2005.pdf

Update 15.06.2005 - New V5C information:
 "New Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C)
From 1 July 2005 all existing old-style V5 Registration Documents will no longer be valid.

DVLA has been issuing the new V5C Registration Certificate since 1 January 2004. Since June 2004, motorists using theV11 renewal reminder form to re-license or make a Statutory Off Road Notification will automatically have been issued with the new certificate. By the end of June 2005 the majority of registered keepers should have received the new certificate, including those who have taxed their vehicle (using the V11 renewal reminder form) or made a SORN, during June 2005.

The new certificate can be recognised by its prominent blue front page showing the words "Registration Certificate". (see example below)

An extensive TV campaign will be broadcast between 12 – 28 June 2005 to encourage all vehicle keepers who have not received the new Registration Certificate to send their old-style V5 Registration Document to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA, with a covering letter.

This includes keepers whose vehicles are off road being renovated, or exempt from car tax for another reason. Keepers of old or classic vehicles who are concerned that they might lose information on their car's history may request the return of the old style V5 in the covering letter.

The introduction of the new certificate will not affect entitlement to registration marks. Motorists who have a valid claim on a vehicle and its registration mark will not be disadvantaged. The V765 scheme which enables old vehicles to be re-united with their original registration marks, will be unaffected by these changes

Why do vehicle keepers need a new V5C?
All motorists are asked to ensure they are issued with the new V5C registration certificate, as after 30th June 2005 failure to produce a V5C could cause problems when selling a vehicle. After this date, motor traders and private buyers may refuse a sale if the vehicle keeper is unable to produce the new certificate."

UPDATE 06.06.2005 - Kev Rooney's DVLA correspondence:
"I've been in contact with the DVLA after having an article in a kit car mag pointed out to me by Pez. Finally managed to get an answer from DVLA re the procedure. This may be of benefit to some to get the description sorted on your pre 1998 'kit' .This should be used in conjuction with http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/regrebil.htm"

...............................................

 >>>>> Thank you for your e-mail.

DVLA Local Offices (LOs) will take the introduction of SVA tests into
account when considering the type approval requirements for cars and vans
modified prior to 01 January 1998.

Since the introduction of these tests there has been no policy in place to
allow the re-registration of modified vehicles without evidence of type
approval, even where there is substantial evidence that modifications were
carried out prior to the introduction of type approval.

To address this, and the accuracy of DVLA's register, when a kit converted
vehicle is presented to DVLA LO and there is substantial evidence available
(original letter/receipt from the kit converter/supplier and /or several pre
1998 MOT certificates) showing the model of the kit, consideration may be
given, following inspection of the vehicle , to registering it to reflect
the make/model details without SVA <<<<<
...............................................

(notes from Kev...) "I've dug into this a bit and it's based on the premise that the car has been on the road PRIOR to 1998 and that it has been seen by VOSA ( in the form of it's appointed MOT testers ) and that they have seen fit to MOT it regardless of the fact that the description on the log book and what is presented do not tally. That is why it's based on MOT's and not tax discs.

It is neccessary for the MOT to show it's current description as opposed to it's log book description. 
As I said use it wisely , think through the implications , and that you have the CORRECT supporting paperwork before you try to use the process.

However used correctly it should safeguard those older cars that may have difficulties with the new computerised MOT set up."

UPDATE 05.10.2004 - Today Dave Biggadyke sent off an initial consultation document to the DVLA regarding the introduction of a Street Rod Registration Class. This document has been compiled with the invaluable assistance of Kev Rooney.
At this stage we have not involved other associations, magazines, manufacturers etc. with the compilation/content of this document as this would have been somewhat academic. The document submitted is only a basic synopsis of what we are looking for from the DVLA in order that we can assess their reception to it. 
We may well have an uphill climb with this from now on but at long last we have one foot firmly on the ladder.

UPDATE 28.07.2004 - The NSRA are currently in discussion with the DVLA regarding the possibility of introducing a 'Street Rod' classification. Whilst this is a long way off they have at least now officially recognised us, have agreed to talk to us and have not dismissed us straight away which can only be a positive sign.
Our proposals are that we produce a 'construction manual' as the Australian Street Rod Federation and the Swedish Street Rod Association have done with their equivalents to the DVLA. Kev Rooney is assisting us by preparing a draft copy of the manual. We envisage this would then be forwarded to and magazines for their input prior to it being submitted to the DVLA.
Whilst we would encourage individuals furthering our cause by lobbying their MP or whatever, it is vital that we are all talking the same talk so please feel free to contact us prior to any discussions you may be having. legislation@nsra.org.uk

UPDATE 23.07.2004 - Article in The Times 17th July. (thanks to Gary Andrews for sourcing) about new vehicle disposal restrictions. See also ongoing discussion http://www.nsra.org.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5011&whichpage=1

UPDATE 23.07.2004 - Review of Vehicles Inspections Procedures (MS Word 27Kb). This is a reply to Mark Harkey (NSRA Member) from the AA.

13.07.2004 - Dave Biggadyke spoke to a DVLA 'Vehicle Policy Group' Official this afternoon and was told that they were not aware of the NSRA (although OTHER DVLA departments are; they work separately.....).
Dave was told that the NSRA would be included in the response to this review and would also be included in future consultations. The outcome and actions from this consultation depends very much on the volume and content of the response they got. 
They also mentioned that Dave's call explained things slightly - since they had received a large number of responses over the last couple of days with NSRA on them. 

Currently there is concern over Government proposals to review the Vehicle Inspection Procedures and Vehicle Licencing Agency. Details can be found onthe DVLA website:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/public/consult/veh_inspec/vi_summary.htm

There is a Response Form which can be filled in for your opinions to be considered in the consultation process:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/public/consult/veh_inspec/vi_response.htm

There is currently a very active discussion topic on the subject, on the NSRA forum:
http://www.nsra.org.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4890

The NSRA are currently (13.07.04) attempting to contact the DVLA for further information and guidance in this matter. Any updates will be included here as they are received.

Some NSRA members have taken the time to send detailed representations to the DVLA which have been included below for download as MS Word documents. If you have submitted a similar document you would like to have made available here for reference, please send them to admin@nsra.org.uk.