What's the craic with DVLA vehicle inspections now?

[warninglight]

I sent off a couple of weeks ago to put the reg no. of my series Landy on retention. Tried to use the new online system but was rejected, and when I rang to enquire was told it was due to the age of the vehicle (1961).

 

So I sent the forms off, and just rang for an update to be told a letter is in the post stating that the thing needs to be inspected before they can allow the reg. to be retained, again due to age. IVAs stopped being a thing last year, and this is now through a company called SGS apparently, and all will become clear when I receive the 3 page letter, as to how I book it etc.

 

I thought the whole point of ditching the IVA was because it was costing a fortune for no real benefit. Surely contracting out to another company just works out more expensive!

 

My problem is now thus; first of all, it's a Landy on a galv chassis, which has had a 'few' series 3 parts fitted to replace knackered or missing correct s2 items over the last 55 years. So new chassis, dual circuit brakes, s3 wings and grille etc. but still with proper s2 bulkhead, gearbox and I think engine. Are they likely to just tell the DVLA I'm up to something and clearly it's a ringer? (It's not...)

 

The other issue is I took a deposit on it last week, and I'm delivering it to Aberdeen over Easter weekend. I may get an inspection done in time, but there's no chance of it all coming through before then, now. It got a fresh MOT less than 3 weeks ago so it's not like it hasn't been inspected by a DVLA representative.

 

So now I can either cancel the application and try to get my postal order returned, I can forge ahead with an inspection, if the seller doesn't mind waiting potentially a few weeks for his new V5 to come through (dodgy), or I can cancel or postpone the trip, which isn't really an option as I've agreed to pick up its replacement in Aberdeen on the same day... What's likely to be my best option?

 

What a hateful, bureaucratic shower.

[Urko]

No advice but sympathy and agreement on what a hateful bunch they are (based on my experience - unrelated to your issue)

[fatharris]

DVLA in "Being DVLA" shocker.

I've never encountered such an unhelpful bunch of arseholes, they seem to be very aware that we need the services they provide and go out of their way to make the entire experience as pleasurable as slamming your pecker in a mousetrap.

[PiperCub]

Is this another DVLA attempt of Let's-Q-plate-everything-that's-old/been-modified?

[JayW]

I believe you're confusing IVA's with the VIC.

 

The VIC was to prove the identity of a written off motor and ceased to exist last year for the reasons you mention.

 

The IVA on the other hand is still very much alive and due to the age and likelihood a series has been molested throughout it's life, it's not unheard of for them to want to take the opportunity to check it over. Often, the old plates are retained, identities swapped (after all, it's piss easy to do with a series) and no one knows a thing. This I speak from experience having bought one in the past.

 

Oddly, while many would like to make their car look newer, old Lands are all about the tax exemption!

 

And, under the points system, with those modifications, you'll be pushing it to keep your age related plate unless the chassis is an unmodified EXACT factory replacement. You'll also need the original engine and axles.

 

MOT testers represent VOSA, not DVLA.

[Anglevan]

Just done a retention on my Anglia - been off the road since 1984 ish I think. System would not allow online retention. When I called they said that the system is not clever enough to allocate reg numbers to pre 1977 cars so all those have to be sent to DVLA. Sent all docs off and returned withing 4 days - super service. I suspect it's simply down to the vehicle. So many Land Rovers / Minis have been rung for the free RFL I suspect any that are submitted send a great big flashing beacon and siren going off at Swansea.

So providing you have correct VIN Plate and chassis stamp you wont have owt to worry about, if you just have a riveted plate - good luck....

[Dave_Q]

http://www.glencoyne.co.uk/vosalaw.htm

 

You would only get the 5 points for the chassis if it's an identical replacement, preferably documented. 

 

However you would get 2 points each for engine, axles, suspension and transmission which is enough to keep the ID.

 

Doesn't have to be the actual original parts fitted, identical replacements are fine.

 

I think a lot will hinge on how much the inspection firm know about Land Rovers...

[warninglight]

Apologies, I was getting acronym blindness after dealing with them on the phone!

 

The VIC was indeed the one I meant, and VOSA (though as they're both govt. agencies concerned with the laws of motoring it's not too much to ask that they talk to each other)

 

The chassis is a like for like replacement, a Marslands one fitted about 12 years ago. Same wheelbase, suspension mounts etc., the parabolics might be contentious, though on the Glencoyne site it seems to say as long as they're leaf springs and mount in the normal way they're fine. Engine and gearbox as I say are the standard items, may or may not be the original ones, but certainly aren't a mod.

 

From the little info I've been able to get off google, it seems like an inspector is likely to check that it has reg plates fitted both front and rear, that they match the V5, and then check the chassis number on the VIN plate, check it matches the V5, then bugger off somewhere for a fried breakfast to call it a morning's work. Still waiting for the letter to arrive but it's not really worth the risk of losing the sale, so I'll likely have to leave it on the motor now. Bum.

[JayW]

VOSA (though as they're both govt. agencies concerned with the laws of motoring it's not too much to ask that they talk to each other)

.

 

 

Hah! I do love a good stand up, let me know where your next gig is...

[Supernaut]

Hmm.

 

Maybe a slight thread hi-jack, but I wonder what problems my dad might have with his Series 1 when he finishes it. We're rebuilding it on a galv chassis but keeping it otherwise original, and keeping the same plates. Maybe not too much trouble from the DVLA then.

[warninglight]

They'll only want an inspection if you try to take the plates off it. Worth getting some black paint on the chassis to help hide it anyway!

[barrett]

Hmm.

 

Maybe a slight thread hi-jack, but I wonder what problems my dad might have with his Series 1 when he finishes it. We're rebuilding it on a galv chassis but keeping it otherwise original, and keeping the same plates. Maybe not too much trouble from the DVLA then.

Easy answer? Don't tell anyone and don't try and be clever. Just tax it, use it and don't fanny around with ref numbers or logbooks.

 

Recent true story as a warning: chap with an Austin Seven special finally gets round to sending the logbook off to update the body type from 'saloon' to 'sports'. DVLA respond by withdrawing the vehicle identity, registration and logbook and demand it is booked for an IVA test so, if it passes, it can be issued an appropriate Q plate.

The moral of the story? Don't lift stones that don't need to be lifted!

[Dave_Q]

I can't recall where I read it but land rovers are a particularly hot topic with vosa or whoever it is that does this sort of thing.

 

Basically anything "tax exempt but converted to coils" is in line for a reaming and a q plate if discovered.