Imported Classic

[Spydaman]

My car arrives today from South Africa. Clearly I'll register it here but I hear DVLA are taking 6 weeks. Can I legally drive it on the SA plates assuming its insured and MOT'd? It appears I can for two weeks but its not clear.

[Keep it stiff]

NOVA is an on-line process and is instant. MOT will need to be done on chassis number. I think where you will come unstuck is insurance, you may struggle get get cover without a UK registration number.

[Spydaman]

Thanks for the quick reply. It appears that although it will insured to and from an MOT or IVA station it wont be fully insured until its registered. Any experience how registering currently takes?

[Keep it stiff]

With the last one I did I posted the docs on a Monday and had the registration back by Friday! In these Covid times who knows? The one thing I would suggest is go overboard with everything you send, too much info is better than getting a return letter to say they need XYZ. You will need to send originals but remember to keep copies, also using registered post is best. Also check everything carefully before you send, it only needs a typo in a chassis number and life will get complicated. Although not requested I sent printed pictures of chassis plate etc.

[Spydaman]

Thanks for the advice.

[roca1976]

I am at least 5 weeks in and nothing from the DVLA. I have plenty of little jobs to do so I can wait.