saw this on another forum, but could affect us aswell,

apologies if its been posted before.

DVLA Proposals

The DVLA has run a consultation to review the MOT test procedures, as the MOT system will be changed overto a fully-computerised system in '06. The Government will then have databases of insurance, tax and MOT, so that they know if you are driving without the full compliment of documents. The reason for this article is the proposed MOT changes.

Effectively as part of the MOT, the Government wants to introduce a check that a vehicle has not been changed significantly from standard without the DVLA being notified. This has always been the case, but the lack of enforcement has meant we can merrily go around dropping big, or bigger, V8s into anything. You could then just take your car to the MOT station and, as long as it passed, you'd be good to go.

All this is going to change, because the Government and police have decided to try and do something to reduce car crime and ringing. So, they want a check incorporated into the MOT, where the tester has to decide whether the car's identity is established, or if the car has been 'radically altered'. If so, the car would be refused an MOT, and you'd have to have the car SVA tested and re-registered, probably on a Q plate.

This legislation, has not yet been approved by parliament but, if nothing is done to counterit, it surely will be.

As is the case when trying to write an all-encompassing set of rules to establish 'when is a car no longer the car it originally was', the many varied types of enthusiast car, such as arestored '66 Mustang with modern V8, to an Audi coupe fitted with a blown big-block, could fall in the new catagory of Radically Altered cars.

As you can imagine, this is going to cause all sorts of arguements around the forecourts of the country when the MOT tester decides that your car falls outside the rules.

If you have ever had to go through an SVA, you will know that it is more like a strict MOT - where you also have to prove that your car falls within UK legislation from a construction and use point of view. The SVA inspectors are also looking for signs that the parts your car is built from do not have a shady past. However, once certain cars can be classified in a certain way, the ones the rules weren't really aimed at are forced through these procedures, making it difficult to legally build the kind of cars we enjoy.

So people, get it together, write to your MP, or write to us at ACW. We'll keep a file of letters we recieve and submit it to Parliament. The worst thing we can do is nothing.

Ray

I Believe that the writers of PPC mag have been campaining against this for quite a while now.

It looks like they are automated it a way already.

I had my MOT the other day and the tester who is a friend of the family completed the test quite quickly with me helping with parts. Once he had finished the test he had to wait a while before submitting the details of the test as a tester friend of his had been doing them in 30 - 35 minutes and the governing body came in and suspended his licence. So now they wait a while before ending the test so they dont get suspended.

I dont think this will effect us as kitcar/locost builders if we are getting them SVAd in the first place. It will just be people making customs or changing the cars so it isnt really recognisable as the car stated on the V5.

why should this be a problem? If the system is intended to record that the car has been altered, it will, by definition, have been recorded. Wouldnt you simply show the dvla documents expressing that fact to the mot station, who would then be happy.

atb

steve

The chap that did my retest mentioned this, and thought the idea was a waste of time and resources.

He said the intention was for ringing etc but would affect all modified cars (including sticking a 1275 in a Mini), but in my book that can be done just as easily by checking the (for eg) engine number against a database (perhaps the rather large one the DVLA has) for stolen engines.

Thery are also talking about SVA for ALL modified cars (which included the examiners son's Mk2 Escort!)

He wasn't impressed.

ATB

Simon

It all depends on what they classify as Radically altered, and which side of the fence you are sitting on at the time!.

The SVA although petty at times IS a good thing, as much for the owners as everybody else, if the car is built to a good standard than it will pass with litte or no problems.

Some kit cars, custom cars, american, or even max power cars that have just been put back on the road with no SVA and the basic MOT seem downright dangerous, at least this way all radical mods would be safe,
i.e massive engine changes, making a convertable, crazy lowering or even ICE installs etc making sure the brakes, suspension and structural strength are adequate for the mod.

Although I cannot understand the people that wolud want to put such an unsafe creation on the road if you yourself think it might be a little dodgy it very probably is! remember its you that will be driving it and your family or friends as passengers!

Atleast it isin't as bad as New Zealand I think I saw on TV where any mod has to be approved.

The system has been in place for at least a year now,when i purchased my car tax online last may i typed in my registration and and the info was checked in seconds.

They knew i had insurance and a valid MOT so i could then proceed to the next part,it seemed a bit big brotherish but i've got no complaints as i hate queing at the PO.

Q plate everytime....

quote:

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Originally posted by Triton
Q plate everytime....

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one thing i wish - why, if ins co claim to keep a database thats shared between them,,,,, why the heck do you have to answer 50,000 questions each time you want an online quote?

atb

steve

Steve

I've always thought of it as a lie detection test everytime i phone for a quote

The one I liked from the insurance company was for my Grananda which had dealer fitted RS body kit.

Insurers. Is the vehicle modified

Me. yes its got the dealer body kit.

Insurers. Ok that makes it modified and increases the insurance.

Me. Right well in that case I will remove them.

Insurers. Ok Mr taylor that will definately make it modified so we would have to increase the premium again.


Guess who didn't get my business.