IVA and registration

[mt308]

Hi all

I have asked a few questions on this before and searched DVLA and other websites but am still slightly confused with the process for registration. Hoping my car might be complete within the next couple of months.

The easiest option is to have Ultima do it all, however this looks like it will cost a fair bit of money (as one of their mechanics has to take it, which is charged out at their normal rate), and being tight on funds (or just tight) I am looking to save as much as I can.

Current thoughts are to have it collected by the factory for them to give it the once over, set up the suspension, steering etc. and check all is ok. Provided all is ok I will then drive up there and drive it to either Nottingham or (if allowed by the police) down to Yeading (nearest to home, but a fair old drive with no plates from Ultima).

If it passes I think I can then either drive it home (from Yeading) or back to the factory (if Nottingham)?

Then I need to get it registered which also appears to involve taking the car to a registration centre - which some say is not legal at this point. Is this correct?

Any thoughts would be most appreciated. I don't want to finish the car then not be able to drive it as I've not done something that takes months to book!

Many thanks

Mark

[Steve_D]

The test itself can take many hours particularly if the tester has not seen an Ultima before. With this in mind the Nottingham centre would be ideal. Add to that the ‘provenance’ the car has after the Factory have given it your ‘free’ days inspection. During the inspection each fixing is checked and marked with paint so a savy IVA inspector should realise there is not too much for him to worry about.

Registration will involve a visit to your local DVLA office and will likely involve a further inspection. You are not allowed to drive to this inspection. This is a stupid rule seeing as you could drive it to IVA with no consideration of how badly it could have been built then not be able to drive it when it had passed!!!! The inspection will be very quick and, again stupidly, only confirms the chassis and engine numbers which are clearly written on your IVA pass certificate.

Whilst it will be expensive, getting the Factory to do the whole process will be very painless. They will take it away and a couple or three weeks later you drive home in your fully legal, polished and valeted supercar.

Steve

[pilbeam_mp62]

mt308 said:

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

OK - this is what I think - and this is what I actually did with my Ultima when I built it a couple of years ago.

Take the car to Ultima to check it over (you have already said you will do that anyway) and then have their mechanic take the car for the IVA test, and then have Ultima register it for you. What you are paying for is their experience and expertise. Its stress-free. You go back to the factory and drive away in an IVA'd , registered car with shiny new numberplates.

What are you saving by doing it your way ? In my opinion, it's not a material amount of money when you consider how much you will have spent on the car to get it to IVA.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

Regards

[deadscoob]

You don't have to take it to a DVLA centre despite what your local centre says. I looked into this and there was a change in this, march 2010 I think as they finally accepted they were duplicating vosas work.
I went to mine and confirmed this, filled in forms and waited, then got a letter saying they needed to inspect the car...

I printed off an extract from the new directive, took it to the DVLA office and they apologised and issued tax disc and reg there and then.

Will dig the letter out tonight and post it up.

[mt308]

Thanks all. Having thought it through, spoken to the helpful team at the factory and read comments here I agree the best method is to get them to do the lot.

I thought it was merely a case of turning up and sitting whilst the examiner does his job, but I gather the chaps at the factory get quite involved, which could well make a difference!

Have decided to go for a March launch!

[Steve_D]

mt308 said:

.....I thought it was merely a case of turning up and sitting whilst the examiner does his job, but I gather the chaps at the factory get quite involved, which could well make a difference!.....

Someone has to present the vehicle for test and is required to help with the test and remove panels or covers when required. You may be requested to remove wheel nuts to demonstrate sufficient thread engagement etc. etc. you will need to have your own tools for this. You may also be required to drive the car to demonstrate braking effort etc. If the headlights are out of adjustment you will be allowed to adjust them...the tester may or may not choose to assist you.

The whole affair can be very stressful and many builders do not want to do this themselves which is why we offer both pre IVA inspections and submitting vehicles for test. This is for all kitcar types.

Steve

[3Dee]

How big a wedge does it cost?
Most of us keep only moths in our wallets in these meagre days!