Road Tax Issue

[LizB99]

I bought my car 6 months ago from a main dealer, who taxed and MOT'd it as part of the purchase. When I went to tax it last week, I was told the MOT was invalid, as it did not have the MOT test station 'Authentication Stamp' on it. I contacted the garage who said to post it back to them, and they'd stamp it. (I've since moved, so couldn't just pop in with it.) Its being nearly a week now, with still no sign of the MOT certificate. I have a car I can't use, and am likely to get a fine in just over a week from DVLA, because it hasn't being retaxed. When I asked the garage what they thought about me driving a car for 6 months with an invalid MOT they'd supplied. They just said it was one of those things!

Does anyone have any ideas / views on how to proceed?

[kempie]

To the immediate issue of using the car, you could book it in for an MOT, since you are legally able to drive an untaxed/un-MOTed car to the test station, and when passed you can then tax it.

As to the main dealer I would certainly advocate making a big fuss and perhaps involving Trading Standards, the press and whoever else will listen.

[BigB]

HI

Might be a problem now you do not have the certificate to prove anything. Chase the garage for the certificate and then i would write a letter to the Dealer Principle with a copy going to trading standards.

I think it would be best to get it re-MOT'd as per Kempies suggestion as you could be fined. Ask the dealer to reimburse you for the MOT.

[LizB99]

Many thanks Kempie and BigB. I phoned the garage yesterday, who assured me they received it Saturday, but didn't know if was posted back on Sat or Monday! My main worry is it getting lost in the post.
I'm going to wait until tomorrow, and if I've had nothing, go to one of these drive in MOT centres.
I think both your comments have made me decide that I'm definately going to take this further though.
Thanks.

[Jay70]

I thought that VOSA Vehicle and Operator Services Agency were also given notification of your car having a valid MOT.  If this is the case then even though your certificate hasn't got the stamp than they should have a copy.  If this hasn't also got the correct authenticity then I would have thought they should have been responsible for notifing the garage concerned and if it has then you car is still road legal until it expires.  I would give them a call.  Of course this doesn't help you to get your TAX but it may mean you can still drive your car untill it comes through if your tax hasn't expired yet.