BIVA and emissions and subsequent MOTs . . .

[restoman]

Probably a daft question but here goes.

If you build a kit car or a one off and take it for an IVA, emissions wise the car is tested according to the date of the engine used. If it passes the test it will then be given either a 'Q' plate or a current new reg as appropriate. So, in subsequent years when the car is presented for an MOT how does the tester know what limits to apply when doing the emissions test as he obviously will not be able to date the engine in the vehicle from the registration alone?

Ta

[jason61c]

I think it says on the V5, if its blank then its just a visual check.

[Steve_D]

Both my kitcars have the emissions stated in V5 section 3 on the front page.

Steve

[restoman]

Does that you mean that you have to present the V5 when you go for the MOT? Or is the relevent information recorded on the MOT computer system for the tester?

[jason61c]

restoman said:

Does that you mean that you have to present the V5 when you go for the MOT? Or is the relevent information recorded on the MOT computer system for the tester?

This is another 'grey' area. If you don't take it they have to look on the system for that model of car with engine. I'd bet 50p its not on there.

[Jerkins]

I know of at least one owner who takes his V5 when going to an MOT, just in case.

My car's V5 is blank in that box, so it's 'visible smoke' only. If you can still see the car after revving the engine it's passed! (only joking...)

[AdiT]

My v5 lists the emmision requirements but when I took it for test last month they didn't come up on the VOSA system. Others have had there's come up when logged on for test. It's not a requirement to supply your v5 at MOT.

By rights they should be tested to the same level as at SVA/IVA but in practice some testers think all Q plates are visable smoke only (which early ones are) and don't know about age related or new reg ones. It's pretty much a case of luck how tough a test you get.

[Hobzy]

I'm struggling to get my R1 Indy through at the mo. Are we suggesting that if I "forget" my v5 its up to the examiner how he tests it?

[AdiT]

Well it'd be up to him to work out what the correct test was. Whether that would be by reading the testers handbook, phoning VOSA for advice or just guessing, I can't say.

[restoman]

OK thanks for all the info - does all sound a touch 'hit and miss' though. . .

[Arthur Jackson]

It is hit and miss. I have a friend with a car which clearly states it's emissions on the V5 AND it has a Cat fitted, but it doesn't work. The MOT station found it wouldn't pass due to the Cat, but they simply tested it as if it was a 'Q'... LOL

[jason61c]

Bugger!!!

Just had my v5 come through, on the special notes on the front it says the IVA emissions test limits, I'll have to check with my garage what comes up on the computer.

[Hobzy]

Arthur Jackson said:

It is hit and miss. I have a friend with a car which clearly states it's emissions on the V5 AND it has a Cat fitted, but it doesn't work. The MOT station found it wouldn't pass due to the Cat, but they simply tested it as if it was a 'Q'... LOL

So, hypothetically, my MOT tester could CHOOSE to test mine as a q plate... and wouldn't be "cheating" the test as such?

[Arthur Jackson]

I think it IS cheating, yes.......

[Hobzy]

Arthur Jackson said:

I think it IS cheating, yes.......

Rephrase - would the mot be valid in the eyes of the dvla?

[Arthur Jackson]

No idea. I don't think he asked them to do it and I'm not sure the garage understand the rules.

[restoman]

Arthur Jackson said:

No idea. I don't think he asked them to do it and I'm not sure the garage understand the rules.

This is a big problem isn't it - generally it seems that the staff at DVLA don't understand the rules, many of the staff at VOSA don't understand the rules, Mr MOT man doesn't understand the rules - but Joe Public is expected to . . .