MOT before the IVA?
Discussion
My build (MEV Exocet) is almost complete and will be looking to book it in for the IVA pretty soon. I was planning on hiring a trailer and something to tow it to the nearest test centre with(60miles away) but then realised my license doesnt cover it so i then got thinking of driving it there but a bit concerned with getting it back home if it was to fail on something major (brake balance, worn components etc). So this brought me on to thinking about getting a local garage to give it an MOT prior to the IVA in the hope of anything majorly wrong will be discovered and rectified.
The only problem is is that the nearest MOT test centre is about 1 mile away and ive no way of getting the car there in a legal fashion. I was thinking of insuring the car as a heavily modified MX5 on a sort of 24hr policy to cover me but i think even this is a bit dodgy. Is there a way, short of trailiering it there, that i can get the car to the MOT centre legally?
The only problem is is that the nearest MOT test centre is about 1 mile away and ive no way of getting the car there in a legal fashion. I was thinking of insuring the car as a heavily modified MX5 on a sort of 24hr policy to cover me but i think even this is a bit dodgy. Is there a way, short of trailiering it there, that i can get the car to the MOT centre legally?
It's very rare for an IVA failure to be so bad that you're not allowed to drive it home. In fact never heard of it happening.. well once, but it was amazing the car got there without killing someone if the photo's were anything to go by. If you've built it and are presenting it for IVA then you should be fairly confident that it's not that bad (I hope).
For insurance, you should get it insured on temporary cover, using the chassis number, via one of the kit insurance specialists to drive it to IVA. Don't do it as the MX5 'cos it isn't and the cover wouldn't be valid.
Don't get an MOT "officialy" done. Once it's done and on the system it'll be due every year (as opposed to after 3). You can take it for a test just for piece of mind (not allowed to drive it there as it's not a required test), but don't get them to log it on the system., There's a lot that's done differently on the IVA (the brake test is different for instance) and most of the regular IVA failures aren't covered on an MOT, so not really worth it.
For insurance, you should get it insured on temporary cover, using the chassis number, via one of the kit insurance specialists to drive it to IVA. Don't do it as the MX5 'cos it isn't and the cover wouldn't be valid.
Don't get an MOT "officialy" done. Once it's done and on the system it'll be due every year (as opposed to after 3). You can take it for a test just for piece of mind (not allowed to drive it there as it's not a required test), but don't get them to log it on the system., There's a lot that's done differently on the IVA (the brake test is different for instance) and most of the regular IVA failures aren't covered on an MOT, so not really worth it.
Don't mot it
Confusion the like of you have never seen wil reign
It's not a real car until both the IVA test has been passed with the resultant Ministers approval certificate and DVLA have registered it
You could trailer it to a MOT station for a pre mot test, that would get you brake efficiency, emmisions and headlight alignment but little else of use
Having been to many SVA & IVA's just build as best you can and present for a test at worst you'll have a few points to address
Confusion the like of you have never seen wil reign
It's not a real car until both the IVA test has been passed with the resultant Ministers approval certificate and DVLA have registered it
You could trailer it to a MOT station for a pre mot test, that would get you brake efficiency, emmisions and headlight alignment but little else of use
Having been to many SVA & IVA's just build as best you can and present for a test at worst you'll have a few points to address
I drove my Rush to the IVA (50 miles each way... for the test and retest).
Even thought the IVA and MOT test criteria are different, I got a local MOT station to give it a once-over for peace of mind. Main things were that brakes were safe and emissions were ok - things I couldn't in the garage, or check by driving 20 metres up and down the drive before hitting the M6 in anger. Also set headlamp alignment and a few other bits and bobs.
As has been said, not an official MOT, just use of tester's eye and knowledge and equipment really. And had the car taken there and back on a transporter. I found a local place that also does motorsport work (rally prep), on the basis that they wouldn't be phased by something out of the ordinary.
Even thought the IVA and MOT test criteria are different, I got a local MOT station to give it a once-over for peace of mind. Main things were that brakes were safe and emissions were ok - things I couldn't in the garage, or check by driving 20 metres up and down the drive before hitting the M6 in anger. Also set headlamp alignment and a few other bits and bobs.
As has been said, not an official MOT, just use of tester's eye and knowledge and equipment really. And had the car taken there and back on a transporter. I found a local place that also does motorsport work (rally prep), on the basis that they wouldn't be phased by something out of the ordinary.
PeteS2k said:
I drove my Rush to the IVA (50 miles each way... for the test and retest).
Even thought the IVA and MOT test criteria are different, I got a local MOT station to give it a once-over for peace of mind. Main things were that brakes were safe and emissions were ok - things I couldn't in the garage, or check by driving 20 metres up and down the drive before hitting the M6 in anger. Also set headlamp alignment and a few other bits and bobs.
As has been said, not an official MOT, just use of tester's eye and knowledge and equipment really.
This is what im hoping to do. I should have mentioned in my original post that i dont tend on getting a proper recorded MOT just a tester to go over the car on the items i cant check at home. Thanks for the replies guys.Even thought the IVA and MOT test criteria are different, I got a local MOT station to give it a once-over for peace of mind. Main things were that brakes were safe and emissions were ok - things I couldn't in the garage, or check by driving 20 metres up and down the drive before hitting the M6 in anger. Also set headlamp alignment and a few other bits and bobs.
As has been said, not an official MOT, just use of tester's eye and knowledge and equipment really.
I did book mine in for an MOT before the IVA (which it failed on - emission). this did give me the benefit of knowing everything else was OK. I was stopped by the Police on the way back as well, but thats another story. I did have another MOT before the IVA which I passed.
I found it difficult & still do, to get an MOT done. As the stations/testers dont really know about kit cars & issuing MOTs on chassis numbers. They just want to put the reg number in the DLVA database & carry out the normal tests. Start giving them engine dates differing from registration & manufacture dates & they get lost.
Anyway after the IVA I still needed an MOT certificate to register. I did not need 1 for the next 3 years & I am on a Q plate.
So as its easier & cheaper to have an MOT, especially with a free re-visit, than just going straight for an IVA, I would recommend it. The IVA test is far more stringent & covers a wider scope so an MOT pass is a long way off an IVA pass.
Good luck.
I found it difficult & still do, to get an MOT done. As the stations/testers dont really know about kit cars & issuing MOTs on chassis numbers. They just want to put the reg number in the DLVA database & carry out the normal tests. Start giving them engine dates differing from registration & manufacture dates & they get lost.
Anyway after the IVA I still needed an MOT certificate to register. I did not need 1 for the next 3 years & I am on a Q plate.
So as its easier & cheaper to have an MOT, especially with a free re-visit, than just going straight for an IVA, I would recommend it. The IVA test is far more stringent & covers a wider scope so an MOT pass is a long way off an IVA pass.
Good luck.
It was a few years ago, back when it was called SVA....but I used a pre-SVA MOT test to do a number of things. Firstly, get someone else to look over it. I've built/rebuilt a few cars over the years so not a total novice, but another pair of experienced eyes is always smart IMO. Does assume you have a decent tester you can use though. I do appreciate I am very lucky there.
Got the brakes tested, got the emissions tested, lights aligned and got the chance to actually drive it a relatively short distance before the 180 mile round trip to SVA. Only scare was the exhaust wrap smoking like crazy as it warmed up properly once I got a few miles down the road. Quickly realised what it was, and it soon passed.
As it turned out, nothing was wrong and nothing broke. Passed SVA first time out.
As menitoned earlier, it was both insured and tested on the chassis number.
For the cost involved compared to a build, I don't understand why an amatuer builder wouldn't do an MOT test for peace of mind and why a pro wouldn't do one to show the customer.
Got the brakes tested, got the emissions tested, lights aligned and got the chance to actually drive it a relatively short distance before the 180 mile round trip to SVA. Only scare was the exhaust wrap smoking like crazy as it warmed up properly once I got a few miles down the road. Quickly realised what it was, and it soon passed.
As it turned out, nothing was wrong and nothing broke. Passed SVA first time out.
As menitoned earlier, it was both insured and tested on the chassis number.
For the cost involved compared to a build, I don't understand why an amatuer builder wouldn't do an MOT test for peace of mind and why a pro wouldn't do one to show the customer.
Kevp said:
I did book mine in for an MOT before the IVA (which it failed on - emission). this did give me the benefit of knowing everything else was OK. I was stopped by the Police on the way back as well, but thats another story. I did have another MOT before the IVA which I passed.
I found it difficult & still do, to get an MOT done. As the stations/testers dont really know about kit cars & issuing MOTs on chassis numbers. They just want to put the reg number in the DLVA database & carry out the normal tests. Start giving them engine dates differing from registration & manufacture dates & they get lost.
Anyway after the IVA I still needed an MOT certificate to register. I did not need 1 for the next 3 years & I am on a Q plate.
So as its easier & cheaper to have an MOT, especially with a free re-visit, than just going straight for an IVA, I would recommend it. The IVA test is far more stringent & covers a wider scope so an MOT pass is a long way off an IVA pass.
Good luck.
That's strange that you needed an MOT certificate to register I found it difficult & still do, to get an MOT done. As the stations/testers dont really know about kit cars & issuing MOTs on chassis numbers. They just want to put the reg number in the DLVA database & carry out the normal tests. Start giving them engine dates differing from registration & manufacture dates & they get lost.
Anyway after the IVA I still needed an MOT certificate to register. I did not need 1 for the next 3 years & I am on a Q plate.
So as its easier & cheaper to have an MOT, especially with a free re-visit, than just going straight for an IVA, I would recommend it. The IVA test is far more stringent & covers a wider scope so an MOT pass is a long way off an IVA pass.
Good luck.
Mine was IVA'd May 2010, registered on a Q with no MOT required (until May this year). Perhaps it depends on which DVLA office you use (like with inspections) as backside/elbow differentiation is not a DVLA strong-point where kit cars are concerned 
(Actually, I do recall the woman at Swansea reading from her list and telling me I would need a MOT when ringing up to get the relevant forms - DVLA Preston said I didn't need one tho')
As a disclamer - This all happened in 2009 & SVA, but I don't think the DVLA REGISTRATION rules have changed (SVA / IVA is VOSA).
When the Fury was ready I insured it against the chassis No. drove it to a PRE ARRANGED MoT (the pre-arranged is important) without No. plates obviously. They picked up a couple of things & gave me an MoT against the chassis No. (this was before computerised MoT). With that in my hand I drove it to SVA - still with no No. plates. I checked this was legal at the time & it was. It passed, I drove it home. When I got home it became illegal to drive it again until it was registered. I called the local DVLA to ask if it was legal to drive it for inspection / registration, girl said "yes", I said "are you sure?" she went & checked then confirmed it WAS NOT. So I trailored it to the DVLA inspection. For registration they took my insurance, MoT, & SVA pass, & a week later I got them (not the SVA pass) back BUT the MoT magically now had the newly issued reg No. on it. I did not then need to MoT it for three years.
In summary if you I was driving to a "PRE-ARRANGED place of repair or inspection" I could drive it as long as it was insured. For some reason the DVLA did not count as a "place of repair or inspection".
Bottom line, the rules are complex & even those who should know don't always, so PHONE THEM & CHECK. Had I have taken the girls word, driven it to the DVLA centre & crashed - in an unregistered car, all hell would've broken loose.
When the Fury was ready I insured it against the chassis No. drove it to a PRE ARRANGED MoT (the pre-arranged is important) without No. plates obviously. They picked up a couple of things & gave me an MoT against the chassis No. (this was before computerised MoT). With that in my hand I drove it to SVA - still with no No. plates. I checked this was legal at the time & it was. It passed, I drove it home. When I got home it became illegal to drive it again until it was registered. I called the local DVLA to ask if it was legal to drive it for inspection / registration, girl said "yes", I said "are you sure?" she went & checked then confirmed it WAS NOT. So I trailored it to the DVLA inspection. For registration they took my insurance, MoT, & SVA pass, & a week later I got them (not the SVA pass) back BUT the MoT magically now had the newly issued reg No. on it. I did not then need to MoT it for three years.
In summary if you I was driving to a "PRE-ARRANGED place of repair or inspection" I could drive it as long as it was insured. For some reason the DVLA did not count as a "place of repair or inspection".
Bottom line, the rules are complex & even those who should know don't always, so PHONE THEM & CHECK. Had I have taken the girls word, driven it to the DVLA centre & crashed - in an unregistered car, all hell would've broken loose.
I drove mine to an MOT (which they did against the chassis number) before IVA - it's the only real opportunity to road-test the car before IVA which IMO is well worth the £50 for an MOT. I checked with DVLA and got confirmation in writing that this is legal (you will need insurance, can't remember the tax situation).
Thanks for all the replies guys. Further searching on the web and it seems its pot luck whether the dvla want you to provide an MOT and IVA or just the IVA. I think i'll phone them tomorrow and enquire more and hope that i can get it in writing that i can drive to a pre booked MOT as im itching to drive the thing!
Listen very carefully
I will say this only once
(Ello, Ello)
The IVA is considered better than an MOT that's why you don't need one for 3 years after IVA
You are over complicating if you MOT before IVA
Your choice but this comes up year after year after year
And the answer is always the same
DONT
I will say this only once
(Ello, Ello)
The IVA is considered better than an MOT that's why you don't need one for 3 years after IVA
You are over complicating if you MOT before IVA
Your choice but this comes up year after year after year
And the answer is always the same
DONT
PeteS2k said:
That's strange that you needed an MOT certificate to register
Sorry, meant to say I needed an MOT for the 1st Road Tax. But I didnt need an MOT when the renewal came round. Perhaps it was because I took the documents to the local office & got the tax disk, instead of waiting to obtain electronically ?PaulKemp said:
Listen very carefully
I will say this only once
(Ello, Ello)
The IVA is considered better than an MOT that's why you don't need one for 3 years after IVA
You are over complicating if you MOT before IVA
Your choice but this comes up year after year after year
And the answer is always the same
DONT
Sorry I have to disagree.I will say this only once
(Ello, Ello)
The IVA is considered better than an MOT that's why you don't need one for 3 years after IVA
You are over complicating if you MOT before IVA
Your choice but this comes up year after year after year
And the answer is always the same
DONT
VOSA
IVA is not an MOT. The tester will look for the design and construction integrity of a car but is not looking for wear in components. He will simply look at a track rod end and decide if the right size has been used on the extreme 4x4 he is testing he does not get a bar and check it for wear.
DVLA
If a vehicle is built and registered as new with a current plate then all the parts on it are new (bar one remanufactured assembly) so will not need an MOT for three years. Any of the other categories recognise that parts used in the build are not new and even state that on the V5c. These will need an MOT both to register and from that point on. This is perfectly logical and I agree it is the way it should be.
What is being seen is that various DVLA local offices fail to apply the rules correctly and it probably varies depending who is behind the counter that day.
Steve
Steve_D said:
Sorry I have to disagree.
VOSA
IVA is not an MOT. The tester will look for the design and construction integrity of a car but is not looking for wear in components. He will simply look at a track rod end and decide if the right size has been used on the extreme 4x4 he is testing he does not get a bar and check it for wear.
DVLA
If a vehicle is built and registered as new with a current plate then all the parts on it are new (bar one remanufactured assembly) so will not need an MOT for three years. Any of the other categories recognise that parts used in the build are not new and even state that on the V5c. These will need an MOT both to register and from that point on. This is perfectly logical and I agree it is the way it should be.
What is being seen is that various DVLA local offices fail to apply the rules correctly and it probably varies depending who is behind the counter that day.
Steve
I phoned the DVLA yesterday and this is exactly what the girl on the line said, albeit after a bit of confusion. When i told her all the structural and mechanicaln parts (apart from the chassis) are from a 1994 donor vehicle she informed that it will need an MOT. She advised me to also phone VOSA just to double check.VOSA
IVA is not an MOT. The tester will look for the design and construction integrity of a car but is not looking for wear in components. He will simply look at a track rod end and decide if the right size has been used on the extreme 4x4 he is testing he does not get a bar and check it for wear.
DVLA
If a vehicle is built and registered as new with a current plate then all the parts on it are new (bar one remanufactured assembly) so will not need an MOT for three years. Any of the other categories recognise that parts used in the build are not new and even state that on the V5c. These will need an MOT both to register and from that point on. This is perfectly logical and I agree it is the way it should be.
What is being seen is that various DVLA local offices fail to apply the rules correctly and it probably varies depending who is behind the counter that day.
Steve
here is the official response from DVLA,
>>> Rhion Richards 25/06/09 15:42 >>>
Good Afternoon Stuart
Mark has forwarded your e-mail to me as I have responsibility for
rebuilt and kit converted vehicles.
Vehicles which have been modified to such an extent that the identity
has been changed by DVLA require IVA in order to be re-registered with a
an alternative registration number. The date of manufacture is taken as
the date of build given on the IVA certificate.
It is a legal requirement for cars and motorcycles to be MoTd 3 years
from the date of manufacture.
You did not quote the registration number of the vehicle or the DVLA
Local Offices that are insisting on a MoT and if you are able to provide
the information I will make further enquiries.
Regards
Rhion
>>> Rhion Richards 25/06/09 15:42 >>>
Good Afternoon Stuart
Mark has forwarded your e-mail to me as I have responsibility for
rebuilt and kit converted vehicles.
Vehicles which have been modified to such an extent that the identity
has been changed by DVLA require IVA in order to be re-registered with a
an alternative registration number. The date of manufacture is taken as
the date of build given on the IVA certificate.
It is a legal requirement for cars and motorcycles to be MoTd 3 years
from the date of manufacture.
You did not quote the registration number of the vehicle or the DVLA
Local Offices that are insisting on a MoT and if you are able to provide
the information I will make further enquiries.
Regards
Rhion
My car was IVAd in 2010 & my experience was exactly as Stuart’s ‘response’ above. In fact the IVA tester told me that he tested the cars to ensure they should last 5 years without any major repairs.
However, I did for the sake of my own personal interest get it MOTd before the IVA just for a bit of peace of mind.
However, I did for the sake of my own personal interest get it MOTd before the IVA just for a bit of peace of mind.
PaulKemp said:
Listen very carefully
I will say this only once
(Ello, Ello)
The IVA is considered better than an MOT that's why you don't need one for 3 years after IVA
You are over complicating if you MOT before IVA
Your choice but this comes up year after year after year
And the answer is always the same
DONT
100% correct. My Sabre was SVA'd, the last one to be done before IVA came in and I too checked with VOSA and they told me the same as Stuart mills has said a couple of posts above. MoT is only needed AFTER 3 years.I will say this only once
(Ello, Ello)
The IVA is considered better than an MOT that's why you don't need one for 3 years after IVA
You are over complicating if you MOT before IVA
Your choice but this comes up year after year after year
And the answer is always the same
DONT
Edited by ColinM50 on Thursday 17th January 23:27
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