Dvla,help!

[Trike357]

Pretty much finished my trike now,but I need to get a new VIN.The DVLA site says they will issue a new one when they have had a look at it,but gives no details on how I go about getting them to see it! I contacted them and they sent me a 55/5 form,which isn't much use as most of the info to fill it out comes from the MSVA test,which,of course I can't get without a VIN,and it reckons that they wont accept partially filled out forms.Anyone got any tips on how I should proceed? Thanks.

[Nik]

Search online for your nearest inspection office?

[Nik]

http://www.ieastsussex.co.uk/profile/522110/Brighton/DVLA-Brighton-Local-Office/

[Trike357]

Cheers for that,I have that address,but the phone number I had was to a centralised office,not to them directly,so that didn't really help...I'll try the number on that page...if that doesn't work...I'll guess I'll have to write.Trike/kit car builders must have to go through the VIN assignment procedure all the time,you'd think the info on how to do it would be better!

[devon-tony]

all I ever do is write them a nice letter, usually put a couple of photos on the letter using word or something similar on the PC

explain that its an amateur built vehicle that will be requiring MSVA test, and needs a VIN number first

always had a VIN back within the week

[Trike357]

That sounds pretty good to me,I'll give it a whirl.Thanks.

[devon-tony]

Heres what I sent off


my name and address 18th January 2011

Ref: issue of VIN number for motorcycle

Dear Sir/Madam

I have just completed the dry build of a custom motorcycle based tricycle and I am preparing it for MSVA testing, I will need a VIN number for the frame before any tests can be booked and attended.

The vehicle is a 1 off amateur custom build, using a mixture of parts, both new and second hand, and as such no VIN is currently issued to this vehicle.

The frame style, design and construction are all by me
Engine is a 1989 Kawasaki GTR1000 1000cc
The rear suspension components are a mixture from a Ford sierra car, and one off fabricated parts by me,

The rest of the components are mostly custom made or modified aftermarket parts

I have kept receipts for as much of the build as is possible, due to the fact that much of it was already in my possession for many years as spares, or made by myself.

Here is a photo of the actual trike during early stages of build,


(inserted a pic)



I would greatly appreciate it if you could arrange for a VIN number to be issued to me so that the build can continue and the MSVA be arranged, should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact me, my contact details being at the head of this letter

My last build I requested the VIN number in the same manner as this and everything worked fine, so hopefully this can be repeated

Your help is much appreciated


Kind Regards




Tony Cooper

[Trike357]

That's a great help,thanks alot..wish me luck.

[Trike357]

Nah..that didn't work,they just sent me a 55/5 form and told me to fill that out.However,that form is for when you've had the MSVA done and are sending off for the registration so most of it is not applicable to me right now,but they told me(via Wales)that they wont issue a VIN without this application being submitted....so I'm going to fill it out as best I can and send a letter with it explaining what I'm after........not holding out much hope though.
And I thought finishing the trike was the hard job!