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Change in MOT rules?
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I've just been speaking to my local garage about getting an old car tested, with the usual month's grace period to allow for a 13-month test/time to dispose of the vehicle in the event of it failing beyond economical repair.
They've advised that VOSA have changed the rules; where previously if a car failed the test (through non-dangerous problems) it could still be used/driven to the scrapyard/sold for spares until the test ran out, now it seems that as soon as the fail certificate is sent to the authorities the current test becomes null and void -- and they say they learned this the hard way.
I've agreed with them to get the car pre-tested to avoid this problem, but is this something that's generally known?
They've advised that VOSA have changed the rules; where previously if a car failed the test (through non-dangerous problems) it could still be used/driven to the scrapyard/sold for spares until the test ran out, now it seems that as soon as the fail certificate is sent to the authorities the current test becomes null and void -- and they say they learned this the hard way.
I've agreed with them to get the car pre-tested to avoid this problem, but is this something that's generally known?
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Comments
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They did come up with this at some point but changed their minds in February....
Update: February 2016
Since running this story, the DVSA has updated its website again – to say the complete opposite of what it originally said.
It now states: “You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.”Always try to be at least half the person your dog thinks you are!0 -
Of course this doesn't change your obligations as to the fact a vehicle must be roadworthy. Just because you have a valid mot still doesn't mean it's legal to drive with tyres exposing cord for example0
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Of course this doesn't change your obligations as to the fact a vehicle must be roadworthy. Just because you have a valid mot still doesn't mean it's legal to drive with tyres exposing cord for example
Of course, and I'm a little offended that you feel the need to point this out to a member of 11 years' standing to be honest.
The car is old. Unseen rot, for example is always a possibility.0 -
Of course this doesn't change your obligations as to the fact a vehicle must be roadworthy. Just because you have a valid mot still doesn't mean it's legal to drive with tyres exposing cord for example
As it's always illegal to drive a car that's not roadworthy irrespective of whether or not there is a valid mot what is your point?0 -
from the DVLA web siteDriving a vehicle that’s failed
You can take your vehicle away if your MOT certificate is still valid.
As already suggested you can still get points on your license and a fine if you have a dangerous vehicle whatever the status of your MOT.
With your scenario, as far as insurance goes the original MOT is still valid so the insurance would still be valid - your car would not actually ping any ANPR cameras until the MOT ran out.
If you get a failure cert then this text is shown on it at the bottom:About this document
1 This document tells you that your vehicle has not been shown to meet the minimum
legal requirements for the reason(s) detailed. If you intend to use your vehicle on the road
you should have it repaired without delay and have it retested before the existing test
validity expires.
2 Please keep this failure notice and produce it at the Testing Station in the event of a reexamination.
3 Whilst advisory items listed above do not constitute MOT failure items they are drawn to
your attention for advice only.0 -
With your scenario, as far as insurance goes the original MOT is still valid so the insurance would still be valid
Whether or not you have a valid mot is irrelevant as far as insurance is concerned. Your insurance is not affected if you have no mot. ( Unless your car is written off, when no mot reduces its market value)0 -
Thankyou for the replies. I am going to have to look into this further as it seems things are not as clear-cut as I'd been advised.
For avoidance of doubt, as far as I am aware the car is roadworthy (it has been regularly serviced, the tyres all have at least 5mm of tread, the brakes etc are good and the engine is doing the usual Japanese sewing machine impression, with no history of bad emissions etc). But it has been a bit of a rotbox for some time (surface corrosion around the sills), and has required welding, and so I'm not sure of its viability just now.
I was just concerned that disposing of the thing would become a total pain in the backside if the remainder of any MOT outstanding is lost.0 -
It is clear cut.
Your garage misinformed you.0 -
No, can't see any point in telling the op ( or us) that it's illegal to drive a car that's not roadworthy (ie. how to suck an egg) in a thread enquiring about any changes to the 12 month validity of an mot cert!
That's why I asked.0
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