Trade license clarification

[Smegmium]

I'm sure a good number of you here had trade plates, so seems like a good place to ask...

OK so I have started up a new business building (or should i say re-building) classic cars to as-new spec.
First build is in progress, so will soon need to test the thing.

Obviously these rebuilt cars will have no tax or MOT, some wont be registered.

I have read through the form VTL301G (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/359338/VTL301G_050814.pdf)
Which states:


"3. Permitted uses of trade licences

Trade licences must be used only for the particular
business purposes for which they were issued.
These include:
• to test or trial a vehicle, its accessories or equipment during or immediately after its construction, modification or repair.
• for a return journey to public weighbridge or for registration or inspection by an authorised official
• to undertake a test trial for the benefit of prospective purchaser or the press
• to demonstrate the operation of a vehicle, its accessories or equipment, when being handed over to a purchaser and delivering it to the place where they intend to keep it.
• for moving vehicles:
– for valeting or accessory fitting between traders’ premises (valeting means the thorough cleaning of a vehicle before its registration or in order to prepare it for sale and includes removing wax and grease from the exterior engine and interior).
– to a workshop where special equipment or accessories are fitted
– between traders’ premises and a place where it starts or finishes a journey
– between traders’ premises and auctions or other places of sale
• to go to and from places of test or inspection and for going to a place for breaking and dismantling. "


OK fine thats good... However it goes on to say...

"• There is no automatic exemption from MoT testing for vehicles used under a trade licence. A vehicle used under a trade licence is only exempt from the MoT testing requirement when being driven during the course of, or on completion of repairs, or when being driven to and from a pre-booked MoT test. A vehicle that has failed the test and has no current MoT in place must be towed to the place of breaking."


so... given that none of these cars will have an MOT, would they be classed as "being driven during the course of, or on completion of repairs" as im not so much "repairing" as re-manufacturing....

I don't want to put my foot in it for the sake of wording or a technicality!

Edited by Smegmium on Friday 28th November 12:57

[Roo]

Trade plates only cover you for VED.

[Amused2death]

You quoted from the document..." or when being driven to and from a pre-booked MoT test."

That's it, end of! In regards to the MOT then you can get there and back on trade plates.

Also in section 3, the second and last bullet points also cover you in the circumstances you describe.

[Toaster Pilot]

Roo said:

Trade plates only cover you for VED.

unless....
..........

being driven during the course of, or on completion of repairs, or when being driven to and from a pre-booked MoT test. A vehicle that has failed the test and has no current MoT in place must be towed to the place of breaking."

as per the OP!

OP - reparing/rebuilding would be seen as the same thing.