BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)

Subject: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: GUEST,Horse of Combat
Date: 22 May 08 - 10:19 AM

Because of being ill, I declared my car "off-road" some time ago (this means I didn't have to pay road-tax while I wasn't using it). Now I have to get it back on the road, BUT now do not have a current MOT certificate. So, I can't get it on the road without a current MOT certificate, and I can't get to a garage to get such a certificate. Is there a way around this???

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Paul Burke
Date: 22 May 08 - 10:55 AM

I believe that if you make an appointment with the garage to have it tested, it is legal to drive it there. Alternatively, ask the garage to pick it up, they will have trade plates.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: gnomad
Date: 22 May 08 - 10:58 AM

I seem to recall that it used to be permissible to take an untaxed vehicle to the testing station, but that it was advised you should be carrying written proof of the test appointment. I would suggest you do not do this without written confirmation also from the DVLA.

The website has a "contact us" page.

Alternatively your local test centre are likely to have come across such a case before, and to know the way forward. I take it you don't have ready access to a cat transporter vehicle, that would certainly be one way to tackle it.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: jonm
Date: 22 May 08 - 12:51 PM

You may drive any vehicle which is "outwardly roadworthy" both to and from a MoT test centre without valid tax or MoT certificate. I would suggest carrying evidence of the appoinment and your intention to obtain a tax disc for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 22 May 08 - 01:48 PM

I had exactly the same problem a few years back (with the added problem that the battery was knackered). The MoT centre/garage (a local firm) picked the car up for me on a transporter. I can't remember how I got it back from the garage - I think I risked it, drove it back home and bought the licence the same day.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: G-Force
Date: 22 May 08 - 02:32 PM

I have a slightly different problem - I'll be out of the country for all of June, the tax is due by 30th June, the tax reminder document won't arrive until after I've gone, I can't renew it before the 15th anyway, and I can't declare SORN because it will be parked on the road.

So how do I stay legal in these computer database times?

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 22 May 08 - 02:44 PM

Why not try asking the DVLA? Surely the first place to go to for such information.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 May 08 - 02:44 PM

jonm is right.

G-force can apply on-line or by phone from abroad.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Newport Boy
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:08 PM

One other condition - the vehicle must be insured for road use. When I've had bikes on SORN, I've reduced the cover to "Laid-up". I have to reinstate full cover before the MOT.

The sequence is:
Insure vehicle & book MOT
Drive to & from MOT directly.
Tax vehicle.

You may get away with stopping to get the tax disc on the way back from the MOT.

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:11 PM

Well I got one day's insurance cover, took my SORN vehicle to the test centre, got my MOT certificate, and drove it back home again. It is still sitting in my garage under SORN regs.

G

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Newport Boy
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:21 PM

No problem there, Giok, but I don't like to pay for the MOT until I'm ready to tax it.

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:25 PM

Well I'm selling this vehicle so that's why I did it that way
G

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: GUEST,Horse of Combat
Date: 23 May 08 - 11:30 AM

Thanks to all who have replied and given advice/information. My battery, too, is flat; so I can't even get the thing (legally) charged with jump-leads to get it to garage for MOT, since that would involve pushing it out of drive onto road. Oh, hell; may have to buy a damned trickle-charger.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 May 08 - 12:23 PM

You can also lawfully drive it without insurance directly to and from a pre-booked MoT - but you'll be pig-sick if you prang it!

I did it when I got my gold volvo from Birmingham. The day before I went I booked an MoT at the garage 100yards from my house. Collect car with small hole in floor and large hole in exhaust from Birmingham, drive to garage, walk home!

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Newport Boy
Date: 23 May 08 - 12:48 PM

Richard

I don't think that is correct. Can you quote any authority?

Whether you damage your own car or not is not the concern of the law, which requires third party insurance if a vehicle is to be on the road (driven or not). As far as I know, the only exceptions are military and other Government vehicles and those who deposit an enormous sum of money.

Phil

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 May 08 - 02:24 PM

I checked with the police, the DVLA, and my usual insurers.

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 May 08 - 04:57 PM

But check for yourself...

Subject: RE: BS: Road-Taxing problem (UK; cars)
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 24 May 08 - 09:17 AM

private motorists always need insurance cover, minimum of Road Traffic Act (third party), where you are going and when makes no difference at all, you need insurance.

It is legal however to drive a viechle not displaying a current Veichle   
Excise Licence (tax disc) to and from a pre booked MOT test.

An idea might be to get the garage to send a mechanic to collect it, as he would have trade insurance that would cover them.

All licenced Mot Examiners need a valid driving licence for all veichles
they examin, in case their rolling road breaks down.