Can I drive an imported vehicle to a pre-booked IVA test?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
Usually only for the test journey itself, and only if the IVA test is pre-booked, the vehicle is insured and the vehicle is safe for the road.
Official position
GOV.UK says you can be prosecuted for using an imported vehicle on a public road before completing the import steps unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test. IVA is the vehicle approval scheme for many single imported cars, goods vehicles, buses, coaches and trailers.
What to do
Book the IVA test before the journey and keep the booking confirmation.
Arrange VIN or chassis-number insurance that explicitly covers the test journey.
Drive directly for the appointment, not for general use, collection trips or errands.
Check obvious roadworthiness items before the journey: brakes, steering, tyres, lights, mirrors and secure bodywork.
Common mistakes
- Treating an IVA booking as permission to use the vehicle normally.
- Driving without insurance because the vehicle has no UK registration number yet.
- Driving to a workshop first and calling it an IVA journey.
Related help
Official sources
Next step
Put this answer into your registration route
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