DVLA Inspection on a classic import
Discussion
Hi all,
I've imported an MGA from SA and in the process of registering it (on week 5 of a possible 8 due to the wonders of Covid & the DVLA strike!)
It's registered 'used' in SA rather than 'built up', so that should avoid a lot of issues - however the DVLA have just written to me to say 'before they can consider a V5C, the vehicle must be examined to confirm that our record is correct.'
Any advice from anyone who has gone through similar would be gratefully accepted!
Is this just a randomised thing and I got unlucky? Or is it likely they have a suspicion over this particular car? (it has the correct MGA VIN, so no issues there I don't think).
Does anyone know what this inspection will entail? Is it just to check the car is what I say it is, and check the VIN plate? Or are they going to go over it with a fine tooth comb? It does have an engine change but as I understand it this isn't a significant issue as the rest of the car is 100% original.
First time for this so any pointers or experiences gratefully received!
I've imported an MGA from SA and in the process of registering it (on week 5 of a possible 8 due to the wonders of Covid & the DVLA strike!)
It's registered 'used' in SA rather than 'built up', so that should avoid a lot of issues - however the DVLA have just written to me to say 'before they can consider a V5C, the vehicle must be examined to confirm that our record is correct.'
Any advice from anyone who has gone through similar would be gratefully accepted!
Is this just a randomised thing and I got unlucky? Or is it likely they have a suspicion over this particular car? (it has the correct MGA VIN, so no issues there I don't think).
Does anyone know what this inspection will entail? Is it just to check the car is what I say it is, and check the VIN plate? Or are they going to go over it with a fine tooth comb? It does have an engine change but as I understand it this isn't a significant issue as the rest of the car is 100% original.
First time for this so any pointers or experiences gratefully received!
Edited by Caballero83 on Sunday 20th June 22:10
I think it`s just random I did an import from USA about 18 months ago no problem.
This link will give you lots of good info.
https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/198659/regist...
This link will give you lots of good info.
https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/198659/regist...
OP, my experience is rather out of date because the last time I did this was around 20 years ago, but they do just seem to pick cars at random and check them. From memory all they're really interested in is the VIN plate, possibly engine number too: make sure you know where they are and that they're clean and legible and you should have no problems. They'll probably also check the mileage.
Not sure if it's still the case, but they used to have to wear hard hat and hi-vis for the inspection, which seemed over the top as it was done in their car park!
Not sure if it's still the case, but they used to have to wear hard hat and hi-vis for the inspection, which seemed over the top as it was done in their car park!
I had one of these DVLA inspections last year.
The scenario was that I had a private plate on my 1953 Citroen, I wanted to take it off and put it back on retention. Because the car is so old, it’s both MOT and tax exempt, so seemed to be liable for inspection.
When the chap turned up, I asked him what the inspection was all about. He said it’s more just so the DVLA “knows the car actually exists”, he just took photos of it including the VIN and engine plates. I suppose being MOT exempt, no formal agency ever really sees the car, for all they know I could have a pile of rusty bolts. This process just ensures the car is actually real.
The scenario was that I had a private plate on my 1953 Citroen, I wanted to take it off and put it back on retention. Because the car is so old, it’s both MOT and tax exempt, so seemed to be liable for inspection.
When the chap turned up, I asked him what the inspection was all about. He said it’s more just so the DVLA “knows the car actually exists”, he just took photos of it including the VIN and engine plates. I suppose being MOT exempt, no formal agency ever really sees the car, for all they know I could have a pile of rusty bolts. This process just ensures the car is actually real.
I too had such an inspection back in 2018 on a Mk2 RS2000 imported from Italy.
There were several delays from the DVLA end. They wanted to check the car was what I was claiming it to be.
Inspection was eventually straightforward as per others have mentioned.
The whole process from vehicle entry to registration took 8/9 months with the delays. It took a friend over 6 months last year.
There were several delays from the DVLA end. They wanted to check the car was what I was claiming it to be.
Inspection was eventually straightforward as per others have mentioned.
The whole process from vehicle entry to registration took 8/9 months with the delays. It took a friend over 6 months last year.
MauriceFontana said:
I too had such an inspection back in 2018 on a Mk2 RS2000 imported from Italy.
There were several delays from the DVLA end. They wanted to check the car was what I was claiming it to be.
Inspection was eventually straightforward as per others have mentioned.
The whole process from vehicle entry to registration took 8/9 months with the delays. It took a friend over 6 months last year.
Thanks mate. Can you remember how soon after the inspection the V5 finally came through?There were several delays from the DVLA end. They wanted to check the car was what I was claiming it to be.
Inspection was eventually straightforward as per others have mentioned.
The whole process from vehicle entry to registration took 8/9 months with the delays. It took a friend over 6 months last year.
I've done a few inspections on behalf of a car club endorsed by DVLA. On re-imports and for other reasons. In essence there are 2 yes/no questions to answer. One, is the car substantially complete and genuine. Two, is the car in the metal the same as its documents. The rest of the report is narrative, accompanied by photos to evidence that the inspection occurred. In normal times, DVLA aimed to despatch a V5C in about 3 weeks
Are you dealing direct with DVLA or a recognised car club?
Are you dealing direct with DVLA or a recognised car club?
DB4DM said:
I've done a few inspections on behalf of a car club endorsed by DVLA. On re-imports and for other reasons. In essence there are 2 yes/no questions to answer. One, is the car substantially complete and genuine. Two, is the car in the metal the same as its documents. The rest of the report is narrative, accompanied by photos to evidence that the inspection occurred. In normal times, DVLA aimed to despatch a V5C in about 3 weeks
Are you dealing direct with DVLA or a recognised car club?
Direct with DVLA - they've asked me to book an inspection through their official provider (which I've done, despite the fact it's three weeks away).Are you dealing direct with DVLA or a recognised car club?
In terms of questions, the car the is totally complete and a genuine MGA - it's just had an engine swap. Which I can't see being an issue!
Caballero83 said:
Direct with DVLA - they've asked me to book an inspection through their official provider (which I've done, despite the fact it's three weeks away).
In terms of questions, the car the is totally complete and a genuine MGA - it's just had an engine swap. Which I can't see being an issue!
I have imported two classic cars over the last 24 months and both triggered a DVLA inspection - I think they are getting quite concerned about fakes.In terms of questions, the car the is totally complete and a genuine MGA - it's just had an engine swap. Which I can't see being an issue!
Caballero83 said:
Brilliant, thanks all!
Again those with experience, what tends to be the process after the inspection (assuming all is ok)? I'm told they write a report that goes back to the DVLA same day, but will I then get issued my registration quickly?
2 weeks after inspection I had all documents from DVLA. Again those with experience, what tends to be the process after the inspection (assuming all is ok)? I'm told they write a report that goes back to the DVLA same day, but will I then get issued my registration quickly?
I've imported several cars from the US and the DVLA have only asked for an inspection once.
Trouble is, I'd already torn it to pieces and for them to inspect it and issue the paperwork, it has to be together with engine and box in place etc. Needless to say ..... 5 years later and it's still in pieces and remains uninspected so no V5 as yet..
I'll get there one day. No rush!
Trouble is, I'd already torn it to pieces and for them to inspect it and issue the paperwork, it has to be together with engine and box in place etc. Needless to say ..... 5 years later and it's still in pieces and remains uninspected so no V5 as yet..
I'll get there one day. No rush!
Just for anyone finding this topic in the future, it turned out to be exactly what people said - they came, checked the VIN & Engine number matched what I'd given them, took a few photos and went away again. Not even a single question about the car - whole thing took about 10 minutes!
Caballero83 said:
Just for anyone finding this topic in the future, it turned out to be exactly what people said - they came, checked the VIN & Engine number matched what I'd given them, took a few photos and went away again. Not even a single question about the car - whole thing took about 10 minutes!
Just illustrates that many people, even those whose job involves a bit of car knowledge, don't care about cars at all.Some years back I was washing and leathering my 1967 Daimler V8 on the drive. Passers-by all stopped and chatted, admiring the car. Children asked to sit in it. Old folk remembered them when new.
The local Conservative Party candidate rocked up to ask if I'd be voting for him in the upcoming local elections, without batting an eyelid and with no regard whatsoever to what I was doing or the car itself.
I replied that I probably wouldn't be voting for him, and he went on his way.
Glad it worked out for you, OP
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