Journey's end - Horizons Unlimited

**Luke** · #1 6 Nov 2002

Well, actually I don't think I could ever stop travelling. But for the little pause in between the trips, where we do mundane things like work, I have to bring the vehicle back to the UK. Problem is my tax and test expired six months ago. Does anyone have experience of getting through Dover without these. An overland vehicle is not inconspicuous, and in the last few years, every time I cross someone official has asked who I am, what I do etc.
Thanks for any advice
Luke

**GWJ** · #2 6 Nov 2002

You are allowed normally within UK to drive untested / untaxed vehicle to testing station (mot garage). Just not allowed to drive it around generally. When I imported by Landrover back from Aus, there wasn't a problem not having tax / testing. Just had to arrange to get it done asap. Arranged insurance company and told them about it - they were fine. Don't think you will have a problem, just tell them the story and that your going to get it taxed and tested immediately and not going to drive it around in the mean time. Probably won't even get asked.

**dwair** · #3 6 Nov 2002

I would agree with Tobias. It shouldn’t be a problem as long as you get it taxed / tested as soon as you can and you have some sort of valid insurance. A good few years ago now I drove a very battered VW Kombi back from West Africa over 6 months late on Tax and MOT. Dover customs just laughed at me, shook their heads in disbelief and let me out with out a problem. On the 300+ mile journey back home I got stopped 6 times by traffic police (No exhaust, hand stitched tyres, cracked windscreen and bodywork held together with wire ties etc) and after hearing the story of the trip and having a look at our passports I only managed a single 14 day “fix it” notice and document producer. On retrospect I think policeman No. 4 was just worried that I would carry on driving around in it once back here!

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