Will i need an SVA test?

[v8rangie]

I am in the process of bobtailing the Rangie and have cut 16" out of the body so far just awaiting to do the chassis?

[crazymac]

I would have a read of page 11? of this months LRO!

They are on about one of the conversion kits you can buy, and the company have just been proscecuted for selling a dangerous vehicle because it hadn't been through an SVA test.

Its something to do with "radically altered from factory"

Now, most bobtails have never been looked at regarding SVA, this is a new one, but I would consider contacting them with your plans BEFORE starting to cut

[clbarclay]

To be on the safe side then yes, its quite a grey area with a fair bit of individauls descression.

I suspect that most bobtails would need an SVA if chalanged, but most come under the heading 'Its only against the law if you get caught' and go unnoticed.

[ChrisV8]

Unfortunately I agree an SVA will be required as you have modifed the chassis by cutting the back off.

DVLA are starting to get sticky on these and hybrids, there are loads of what I see as dodgy ones out there including the coil sprung tax exempt ones. Basically my understanding is you have no chance of havingh a legal coil sprung tax exempt one unless it's a RR ! You will only find out when you have a shunt and the Insurance Co walk away. It's an absolute mine field ! :(

[Bowie]

They changed the rules a few years back, so a 'radically' altered vehicle now needs one -a good thing imho.

And yes I saw that article in LRO about the vehicle getting crushed just because it hadn't been through an SVA.... why it couldn't retrospectively be put through one I have no idea, probably the Government making a statement or being bloody minded about the whole thing.

[Range Rover Blues]

Yes I agree, they were making a statement I think.  Excusable if the vehicle had failed a tertospective SVA but that is beurocracy gone mad.  It's about time Gov't were reminded they are there to serve the people, not the other way round.

[fezzy192]

i had this reply back off the sva technical adviser
Good afternoon  Mr. Davis,
 
Thank you for your enquiry which has been passed to me due to its technical
nature. This has caused a delay in you receiving a reply, for which I
apologise.
 
I can confirm that the "Bobtail conversion" you refer to, does require a
SVA test, following a court case brought by Trading Standards Officers last
year.
 
This is because of the legal requirement to inform the Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any modifications to a vehicle. Once you have
informed the DVLA of this modification they will ask to inspect the vehicle
and from that the vehicle will not be able to retain its original identity
and will require a SVA test. Unfortunately, because the vehicle will
probably be a right hand drive variant, it will be subject to an Enhanced
test and as such may not meet the requirements of the Enhanced regulations.
The fact that this modification was carried out some time ago does not have
any bearing on this matter.
 
I do hope this information is helpful, but should you have any further
questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
 
Best regards,
 
Mark
 
Mark Vickers
Technical Officer
Single Vehicle Approval
Passenger Cars & Light Goods Vehicles
Vehicle & Operator Services Agency
Department for Transport.