SORN Question

[andy zarse]

I have a car on a SORN which I intend to put back on the road in the next few weeks. It is not taxed (obviously!) nor is it MOT'ed or insured at present.

What do I need to do legally to allow me to take it to be MOT tested? If I ask someone with a Trader's Policy to drive it to the Test Centre, does this excuse me from having it insured?

Any help welcomed, thanks.

[BliarOut]

You could get a trader to drive it but if you're insured on the vehicle you can legally drive to and from a pre-booked MOT without tax.

[ThePassenger]

BliarOut said:

You could get a trader to drive it but if you're insured on the vehicle you can legally drive to and from a pre-booked MOT without tax.

I believe it must be the most direct route possible as well.

[HiRich]

BliarOut said:

You could get a trader to drive it but if you're insured on the vehicle you can legally drive to and from a pre-booked MOT without tax.

As I understand it:
- You must be insured.
- The MOT must be pre-booked, as BlairOut says. It is worth getting written confirmation, be that an email or a note on a business card (when you visit, and check they put it in the diary). Do not trust a phone call confirmation.
- The car needs to be roadworthy, which is a different offence from not having an MOT - no tyres on the canvas, no lights missing (you wouldn't get away with "the garage has committed to fix that".
- You are supposed to take the most direct route (within reason)

[eltax91]

Do these rules also apply to cars (such as kits) that have not yet been through an SVA? Could you drive them to a pre booked MOT providing you are insured, without it having any TAX or passed SVA?

[HiRich]

Yes, although I'm not sure why you'd be trying to get an MOT without an SVA conformity test. Of course, if you're taking your car for its SVA, it probably won't have number plates either, so it's wise to go fully loaded with paperwork. On the plus side, if you're taking it to the Caterham factory, I guess you could cut straight through Central London offering a suitable salute as you pass the Mayor's Office. In fact, you culd "get lost" and go round again...