Discussion
Ive got the IVA coming up in a few weeks and was set on driving there (49 miles, most of it motorway). But with it getting closer im starting to have doubts, its also forecast showers on the day too.
The main doubt is thinking about it failing. What sort of failures would i need to have to have a prohibition notice issued? If i am unfortunate to have one what would i do then? id be stranded.
Has anyone had or heard of any horror stories? Possibley ones which will put me off driving there completely.
The main doubt is thinking about it failing. What sort of failures would i need to have to have a prohibition notice issued? If i am unfortunate to have one what would i do then? id be stranded.
Has anyone had or heard of any horror stories? Possibley ones which will put me off driving there completely.
If you have built th car to the IVA manual, and you have been contientious in the construction of the vehicle there should be no way on earth that you will get a prohibition notice. It may fail on something petty but it won't be dangerous
If you have ignored the IVA manual, built the car out of unrefurbished scrap parts and are just hoping to get through on a wing and a prayer I would advise you shouldn't even take the car for the test.
If you are in the former group, drive your car there, it will give you and the car time to bed in brakes, etc which will increase their effectiveness on the test.
Alternatively get your car MOT'd on the Vin Number prior to the IVA. That will at least give you some comfort and a professional engineers eye may catch something that you've missed.
hth,
Tony
If you have ignored the IVA manual, built the car out of unrefurbished scrap parts and are just hoping to get through on a wing and a prayer I would advise you shouldn't even take the car for the test.
If you are in the former group, drive your car there, it will give you and the car time to bed in brakes, etc which will increase their effectiveness on the test.
Alternatively get your car MOT'd on the Vin Number prior to the IVA. That will at least give you some comfort and a professional engineers eye may catch something that you've missed.
hth,
Tony
IVA date a few weeks away, and you've already got a forecast of showers? That's some impressive meteorology there! 
If you've built from a kit and referred to the IVA manual, there shouldn't be too much to warrant being unable to drive it back. Mine failed first time on rear brake effectiveness (not bled properly), noise, self-centring steering - or rather lack thereof - and an inadequately padded corner on the dash. Had no issues driving there and back.
You don't need to get your car formally MOTd and on the system. Just find a friendly local MOT man to go over it without entering details onto the MOT system. It won't guarantee you'll pass IVA, as the inspection points and parameters are different, but it might give you more confidence that the car is fundamentally roadworthy. Of course, you can't legally drive the unregistered, untaxed car to the garage for the check-over, as it's not a mandated inspection. (edited to add - at least that's my understanding. There's so many interpretations around you can take your pick!)
If you've built from a kit and referred to the IVA manual, there shouldn't be too much to warrant being unable to drive it back. Mine failed first time on rear brake effectiveness (not bled properly), noise, self-centring steering - or rather lack thereof - and an inadequately padded corner on the dash. Had no issues driving there and back.
You don't need to get your car formally MOTd and on the system. Just find a friendly local MOT man to go over it without entering details onto the MOT system. It won't guarantee you'll pass IVA, as the inspection points and parameters are different, but it might give you more confidence that the car is fundamentally roadworthy. Of course, you can't legally drive the unregistered, untaxed car to the garage for the check-over, as it's not a mandated inspection. (edited to add - at least that's my understanding. There's so many interpretations around you can take your pick!
)Edited by PeteS2k on Wednesday 3rd April 20:33
PeteS2k said:
IVA date a few weeks away, and you've already got a forecast of showers? That's some impressive meteorology there!
[/footnote]
I checked a few days ago and they forecasted heavy rain, now they are forecasting some showers. If it keeps going this way it'll be a heatwave! I know to take their predictions with a pinch of salt at the moment though.[/footnote]
As for the MOT, im fully aware of the regulations regarding that (see another thread from myself about mot'ing a kitcar prior to the IVA) after a lengthy debate!
So from what i can gather then it would have to be something seriously wrong for them to issue a prohibition.
I tried to drive to my MSVA and failed.
It turned out that I had a fuel problem, either the fuel filter was too small and or the fuel line was picking up too much engine heat. Either way, the car drove the first 3/4 mile then refused to go any further.
Fortunately it broke down in very close proximity to my other half. She towed me to the VOSA station and despite turning up 1 hour late they tested the car and (almost) issued me a pass.
I had previously idled the engine plenty and driven on the 100yard private road behind my house. Neither of these had surfaced the problem.
Moral of the story: it's really tempting to drive, but it's not worth it. This will be your first decent run in the car - the first opportunity you will have had to find problems.
MSVA was stressfull enough without breakinbg down on route. Do yourself a favour and get a trailer.
It turned out that I had a fuel problem, either the fuel filter was too small and or the fuel line was picking up too much engine heat. Either way, the car drove the first 3/4 mile then refused to go any further.
Fortunately it broke down in very close proximity to my other half. She towed me to the VOSA station and despite turning up 1 hour late they tested the car and (almost) issued me a pass.
I had previously idled the engine plenty and driven on the 100yard private road behind my house. Neither of these had surfaced the problem.
Moral of the story: it's really tempting to drive, but it's not worth it. This will be your first decent run in the car - the first opportunity you will have had to find problems.
MSVA was stressfull enough without breakinbg down on route. Do yourself a favour and get a trailer.
I drove 63 miles to my SVA test with the wife following in the support vehicle with a boot load of tools.
As has been said it gives you a chance to bed in the brakes etc. Passed test first time and then broke down 10 miles from home, the gear selector linkage parted company.
My understanding is the main things they will issue a prohibition notice on are:
Construction of the chassis (quality of welding) so if its a kit chassis there should be no issues there.
Brakes ineffective/defective not bled, leaking etc
steering, potential of failure of linkages etc
Anything else that could cause safety issues to you or other road users, sorry if this last bit is a bit vague but thats the catchall they will use
Basically if you are in any doubt trailer it. If you are confident that the construction, brakes etc are up to standard and the only things you might fail on are minor points like nut covers radii and that sort of thing then drive it. Its a great experience. especially driving home when you'ev passed (big silly grin inside helmet).
As has been said it gives you a chance to bed in the brakes etc. Passed test first time and then broke down 10 miles from home, the gear selector linkage parted company.
My understanding is the main things they will issue a prohibition notice on are:
Construction of the chassis (quality of welding) so if its a kit chassis there should be no issues there.
Brakes ineffective/defective not bled, leaking etc
steering, potential of failure of linkages etc
Anything else that could cause safety issues to you or other road users, sorry if this last bit is a bit vague but thats the catchall they will use
Basically if you are in any doubt trailer it. If you are confident that the construction, brakes etc are up to standard and the only things you might fail on are minor points like nut covers radii and that sort of thing then drive it. Its a great experience. especially driving home when you'ev passed (big silly grin inside helmet).
Thanks for the replies guys. They kinda made my mind up and ive sorted out a trailer. A near by haulage firm will get the car to the test centre for £70 (to hire a trailer and towing vehicle was coming in more than that without the fuel cost on top!).
Ive only booked them to get me there but are on stand by to bring me home to if the need arises. Hopefully all will be ok and ill get to drive it home. I dont mind so much breaking down on the way home, just didnt fancy risking not making it there and forfeiting the fee.
Ive only booked them to get me there but are on stand by to bring me home to if the need arises. Hopefully all will be ok and ill get to drive it home. I dont mind so much breaking down on the way home, just didnt fancy risking not making it there and forfeiting the fee.
matlee said:
Thanks for the replies guys. They kinda made my mind up and ive sorted out a trailer. A near by haulage firm will get the car to the test centre for £70 (to hire a trailer and towing vehicle was coming in more than that without the fuel cost on top!).
Ive only booked them to get me there but are on stand by to bring me home to if the need arises. Hopefully all will be ok and ill get to drive it home. I dont mind so much breaking down on the way home, just didnt fancy risking not making it there and forfeiting the fee.
Seems a fair compromise. It is a lonely job being a Kit car builder and attending IVA test on cars you have finished. I suspect the majority fail but only on minor matters which are easy to remedy. One of the real problems of IVA is the overall cost which must approach £1000 with retest. However there can be no doubt that the standards of construction have vastly improved directly in consequence. Sadly this has not improved Kit Car sales which explains why so many Kit Cars are no longer in production.Ive only booked them to get me there but are on stand by to bring me home to if the need arises. Hopefully all will be ok and ill get to drive it home. I dont mind so much breaking down on the way home, just didnt fancy risking not making it there and forfeiting the fee.
I wish you well and I see no reason why the car will not sail through though a backup is sensible. As a footnote I would urge you to bed in the brakes ideally for a good few miles before testing. Good Luck!
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff