Can a car be driven to a garage if SORNed?

[matthias73]

I'm currently in Austria, working. My mum is considering coming out to visit and I thought it would be nice for her to drive my car over. It's a lovely 520i, perfect for such a jaunt. However, it needs a new thermostat. I was going to do it just after I bought it but the temporary move to Austria was so sudden I didn't have time.

So-Can it be driven to a garage provided you've got proof of a booking in the same way you can do it if it's going for an MOT? I'd get a friend/mum to drive it. It's insured and MOT'd.

Otherwise I'd tax it before she drives out, and get the work done just before, but I'd rather get it done now so I know the car is good to go, and all that has to be done is buy some tax.

[davamer23]

I would say very much No.

[Toaster Pilot]

Absolutely not.

[vanordinaire]

Book it in for an MOT and get the garage to do the pump while it's there. I don't think there's anything to stop you getting the MOT early and if it's been off the road it might be worth while just to be sure it's safe if you can't check it over yourself.

[Lordbenny]

Yes

[M3greg]

No. Unless you won't mind risking the DVLA authorising seizing the car and or the driver getting a ticket.

[marshalla]

vanordinaire said:

Book it in for an MOT and get the garage to do the pump while it's there. I don't think there's anything to stop you getting the MOT early and if it's been off the road it might be worth while just to be sure it's safe if you can't check it over yourself.

Agreed. Driving to/from MOT test is the only exemption.

Edited by marshalla on Sunday 9th February 21:53

[eltax91]

If I remember right you are from Leicester? Saw the e39 in readers cars?

Anyway, if so, why not just get a mobile guy out to sort the stat? Won't be much more expensive and then you can just tax it before she leaves.

[DKS]

DVLA said:

MOT. Cars and motorcycles MUST normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of the first registration and every year after that. You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without an MOT certificate when it should have one. Exceptionally, you may drive to a pre-arranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test. Driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle may invalidate your insurance.

So from that, if you can drive to /from repairs without MOT, tax must be the same.

https://www.gov.uk/rules-drivers-motorcyclists-89-...

[matthias73]

Thanks guys.

I think I'll just tax it for a couple of extra weeks. No biggie!

I might be coming home for a weekend so if its sunny I can do it then, but current weather conditions suggest my dads drive will be full of ducks.