Understanding Age-Related DVLA

I'm new here, but getting my head around the IVA process is a little confusing, but I want to understand how the components bought will effect the registration I end up with.

As far as I can tell, to get an age-related plate I need a new monocoque bodyshell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer with two original major components from a donor vehicle and then a replacement registration number will be issued based on the age of the donor vehicles components?

So I assume If I use all new components, i'll get a new registration and if age can't be determined i'll get a Q plate?

For age-related registration I need to use two from suspension (front and back), Axles (both), Transmission, Steering Assembly or Engine in the vehicle during DVLA test and that will get me that? Have I understood this correctly? What happens if I update the two major components to new components after the test? Am I legally obliged to tell DVLA in terms of insurance?

If I want to use a new engine and gearbox, i'm left essentially with the steering rack and axles as the only options from a donor? What is the way most go about age-related registration with DVLA and what donor vehicle in UK is desired usually? Do both major components have to come from the same vehicle?

Many thanks for what i'm sure has been asked before, but I can't find much using search on the details? I understand the DVLA process changed very recently, so assuming what I might read could now be wrong anyway perhaps?

Edit: For new registration plates is it possible to switch to an age-related plate after IVA?
 
Last edited:

Ian Anderson

Lifetime Supporter
Hi Sam
I went through SVA about 10 years back and this is what happened back then.

If you used enough parts from a donor vehicle eg Ford Granada mk2 you could use the engine, all 4 hubs and bearings and driveshafts, all he brakes and a few other parts which meant that you got a Renault 21 box had it reconditioned and that was the one part not from the donor. So they then gave you a title as the donor being rebodied. After that you could apply for a change of plate to personalised and get a different number. You could also have parts swapped out like a v8 instead of the 4 pot and notify the change to dvla and eventually get a car you want on the road. There was a points system for the parts used and you had to make over that number of points for this to work.

Or
You buy everything new and get a new plate of that year allocated, again they would allow one major component to be reconditioned not new and most people used and old block 302 as then emissions are based on date of engine. Again once done a personalised plate could be swapped in for the normal fee.

Thirdly you assembled parts and got a Q p,ate because it is then of unknown age as no parts can be determined to be from a single vehicle. Emissions based on engine year. You are stuck with a Q as thes cannot be swapped.

How much it has changed over the years I do not know but I hope that gives you a starting point.

Ian
 
Hi Sam,
To re-affirm some of what Ian as stated. Avoid a Q registration at all costs. Once a car gets a Q plate then the game is over ....... it will be a Q plate for ever.

Most recent builds are fundamentally based (or completely built) around parts from Tornado or Southern GT and typically fitted with a Ford 302 based engine. This enables you to get an Age Dating Certificate for the engine which means it's easy to meet the emissions required for the date of the engine. Although be wary of fitting a set of four Webber carbs as this can make it very difficult to meet the emissions. A four barrel Holly (or Edelbrock) will get through easily.

Once you get a current registration then it is very easy to transfer an older plate to the car.

The current IVA test is very stringent (and time consuming) ..... be very wary of ALL items that get checked with the radios gauges particularly within the cabin, particularly switches, exposed bolts, etc, etc. Side windows are another area that catch people out. They can no longer be perspex. They need to be Macralon and suitable marked. Don't try and get it tested without the windows fitted ...... that's a FAIL !

Wishing you success.
Steve.
 
Don't try and get it tested without the windows fitted ...... that's a FAIL !

Wishing you success.
Steve.


Hi Steve,

As far as I know many 40's have passed IVA without the side windows being fitted. Was it a case of drilling the window fixing holes and then submitting it for IVA without the windows making it obvious it was going to have windows

Regards

Nick
 
Hi Sam
Having just got my Southern GT through the IVA, you must not have windows in the car, an Iva certificate states that no windows are allowed in the car.
To obtain a year related plate, mine was 16 plate however I have cherished number now on, you are only allowed 1 reconditioned part to the car. This was a 302 block which we then had acid dipped and honed and bored to 347, you must obtain a certification that the block is reconditioned to new standard. All other parts must be new, you have to provide receipts, photocopies acceptable but must send originals too.
I hope this is useful?
 
Hi all,
For clarity, let’s clear up the issue up on side windows and the IVA test.
You can have side windows fitted, but:
1) they have to have the appropriate E-mark
2) the driver has to be able to adjust the offside mirror whilst seated

None of the UK manufacturers I know are able to supply e-marked side windows and with a fixed pane side window, a method of remote adjustment of the mirror is required.

As a consequence, most approach the test with no side windows fitted (and importantly no sign that a window is to be fitted i.e. holes drilled) and a pair of manual wing mirrors positioned to meet the rear sight requirements

I’ve done a few IVA tests now (including my own ’40) and the inspectors and VOSA the governing authority all well aware of what is being done for a test and what happens afterwards!

Regards,
Andy
 
Just to add clarity to the clarity already given and to explain where I was coming from. As Andy clearly states if you submit without windows fitted there must be absolutely no sign that the car is designed to have windows fitted. If a picky inspector decides that it was designed to have windows and they are not fitted then he can fail it.
I'm curious ..... do Mick at Southern GT and Andy at Tornado submit their cars without the windows fitted ?

Andy .... I must look you up in the Club list .... I'm in Norfolk too, near Great Yarmouth.
Cheers
Steve.
 
Hi Steve,
I know that SGT have tested without side windows fitted and I suspect Tornado do the same.

I live just outside Attleborough and we have a club local meet-up at the Scole Inn, just outside Diss. Next meet will be on the 13th September at 8pm and there’s normally a couple of ‘40’s in attendance. It would be great to see you there.
Regards,
Andy
 
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