Reasons to be optimistic as the DVLA proposes changes that should help classic restorers and reduce the chance of Q-plates
Anticipated changes to DVLA policies should simplify the registration process for classic vehicles and mean they are less likely to end up with Q-plates. That’s according to the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), which revealed the outcome of an “extremely positive” meeting with the agency’s representative in Swansea at last week’s ClubExpo event.
The Federation was quick to stress that any proposed rule changes are still a work in progress, following up on the Call for Evidence that was launched last May to give organisations and enthusiasts their say on matters affecting historic vehicles. Nevertheless, they look set to make life simpler when it comes to registering classic vehicles – a wild contrast to the scaremongering that had taken place on some online platforms after a summary of the Call to Evidence responses was published at the end of December.
“DVLA is, at root, proposing a distinct simplification of the registration process, not just for historic vehicles but for vehicles that just generally don’t fit the system,” said the FBHVC’s DVLA liaison manager, Ian Edmunds.
The FBHVC’s Ian Edmunds outlined the situation at ClubExpo on January 18
There are basically two categories that have been identified – one that is being described as repaired. According to the Federation, this now appears to include all aspects of repair, component replacement, and restoration. “The ridiculous notion that anything that involves cutting, drilling or welding will make it into a different vehicle – that has cooled,” added Ian. “We can cut and drill and weld to our heart’s content provided it is still essentially the same vehicle at the end. That process will not affect the registration – if it has a valid registration, it will retain it, if it doesn’t, an age-related registration will be issued to suit. There will always be one or two outliers where someone has done something strange that may get a Q-plate, but the basic intention is the original registration or age-related.”
The majority of vehicles that don’t fit into that category will be classified as modified. These are the vehicles that have had changes to their structural components – changes to the chassis dimensions on an older vehicle for example, or changes to the monocoque body. “Wherever possible, a vehicle will retain its original registration, but not only will it be issued with a DVLA VIN, it will require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test,” added Ian.
The current reconstructed classic category for vehicles built up of components from more than one vehicle is set to continue, but is still being formulated. However, things once again seem positive, “I think it will be more permissive than it currently is,” Ian commented. “Again, it will require a DVLA VIN, but whenever possible will keep the original registration of the chassis or the body or the main components. It will still require input from clubs to verify it is what it purports to be.”
Anticipated rule changes should end some of the regsitation woes for classics, and cut down on the likelihood of Q-plates
In a written response following the meeting, the FBHVC raised two issues. It pointed to the situation with newly-built bodies on vehicles with chassis not being clear, and suggested that a period typical body (referring to method of construction and style) should be acceptable. It also pointed to the issue with Individual Vehicle Approval being unsuitable in that it effectively imposes technical standards for newer vehicles on older vehicles that cannot meet them. This remains a problem for DVLA, which does not have the regulatory power to mandate an MoT for anything over 40 years old, and therefore only has the IVA in its armoury as a means of third-party inspection.
Nevertheless, the Federation believes clear progress is being made. “Some time ago I made a list of 10 key points. I think this directly fixes seven and helps on the other three,” said Ian. “I believe we are right to be optimistic.”
FBHVC chairman, David Whale, was also enthused. “I came out of the meeting feeling my expectations had been surpassed. There was a genuine willingness on the part of their people to listen and talk to us.”
