Important Information about the VIC Scheme

Contrary to popular belief, only around one in three category 'c' vehicles require a VIC check. You can check if a vehicle will require a VIC by contacting the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) on 08706 060440

Official Guidance

Below is the the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency's VIC Customer Information Fact Sheet released in October 2004. The latest guidance on the VIC scheme is available at the following address:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/AdviceOnBuyingAndSellingAVehicle/DG_4022107

What is VIC and how does it work?

VIC has been introduced to help reduce vehicle crime. It is intended to deter criminals from disguising stolen cars with the identity of written off or scrapped ones. When an insurance company writes off a car, the registration document (V5 logbook) is surrendered to them and destroyed. The insurance company will then notify DVLA that the vehicle has been written off. If a vehicle is subsequently repaired with the intention of returning the vehicle to the road, DVLA will no longer issue a new registration document or vehicle excise duty license until the car passes a VIC. The VIC is designed to help confirm that the vehicle being returned to the road has been repaired following accident damage and has not been stolen.

What vehicles will be affected?

Any car that is notified to DVLA on or after 7th April 2003 as having been written off (category A, B or C), regardless of the date of accident, will require a VIC before a replacement registration document can be issued. This notification will set a ‘VIC marker’ on the vehicle record on the DVLA database. Vehicles cannot be volunteered for a VIC; VOSA will only accept applications for vehicles that have a VIC marker.

Do written off vehicles ‘category D’ require a VIC?

No.

Are vehicles written off in Northern Ireland affected?

Yes. The VIC scheme also operates in Northern Ireland. Any vehicle that has been notified to DVLNI (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland) as having been written off by an insurance company and has not undergone a VIC in Northern Ireland will require a VIC in Great Britain if it is to be licensed and registered here. Firstly, an application for licensing and registration must be made to DVLA. They will confirm whether a VIC is required. If it is, a VIC application can then be submitted to VOSA.

THE ACTUAL VIC:

What does the VIC involve?

The VIC will be carried out by VOSA. It will involve comparing the vehicle presented against information held by DVLA, such as the vehicle identification number, make, model, colour and engine number. The VIC will also compare the record of previous accident damage with evidence of damage repair as well as checking other components to confirm the age and identity of the vehicle.

Must repairs be carried out first?

Yes. Sufficient repairs must be carried out to support the intention of returning the vehicle to a roadworthy condition. The vehicle must be capable of being driven under its own power and should not be potentially hazardous to any person carrying out the VIC. October 2004

Does a vehicle require a MOT before a VIC can be carried out?

If a vehicle over 3 years old is driven to a VOSA test station for the VIC, it must have a current MOT.

Is insurance needed to drive a vehicle to a VIC?

Yes. The person driving the vehicle to the test station must have sufficient insurance.

Is road tax needed to drive a vehicle to a VIC?

No.

Must the vehicle presented have number plates?

No. However the registration mark must be known and declared when the VIC application is submitted. Also, without number plates the vehicle cannot be driven to the VIC.

What if the registration mark is not known?

VOSA cannot accept an application for VIC without a registration mark.

Can vehicles be taken to a VIC on a transporter?

Yes. However arrangements should be made in advance with the appropriate test station manager.

Can a vehicle be dropped off at a test station and collected later in the day?

The appropriate test station manager should be contacted regarding this. Their decision will depend on the availability of suitable car parking space.

Can someone else present the vehicle on the applicant’s behalf?

Yes.

How long will the VIC take to carry out?

The VIC will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

What will happen at the test station?

On arrival at the test station the vehicle presenter will need to report to the reception desk with their appointment letter. They must bring along any evidence in support of their application such as vehicle repair receipts, MOT certificate, etc. After handing over the vehicle keys they will need to remain in the reception area whilst a trained inspector carries out the VIC. They will not be allowed to view the VIC. Following the VIC, they will be informed of the result and any necessary documents will be issued along with the vehicle’s keys.

Can VOSA refuse to carry out the VIC?

Yes. VOSA reserves this right. VOSA will refuse to carry out the VIC and the fee will be forfeited if:
1. The vehicle does not arrive at the appointed time or place.
2. The relevant fee has not been paid subject to the payment conditions stated on the application form.
3. The vehicle emits substantial quantities of avoidable smoke.
4. The vehicle or any part of it is so dirty that carrying out the check is unreasonably difficult.
5. The vehicle or its contents is in such a condition that a meaningful check would involve danger to a person, or damage to the vehicle or any other property, or that current health and safety legislation cannot be followed.
6. Sufficient repairs have not been carried out to support the intention of returning the vehicle to a roadworthy condition.
7. A door, tailgate, boot lid, engine cover, fuel cap, floor covering or other device, capable of being opened or accessed is locked or fixed so that a thorough check cannot be carried out.
8. The check cannot be completed due to a lack of fuel or oil, component failure, or for any other reason that will make completion unreasonably difficult or unsafe.
9. The conduct of the presenter is considered to be unreasonable.
10. The presenter refuses to or is unable to comply with the instructions given.

Will the VIC confirm that the vehicle is roadworthy?

No. However if any mechanical defects that would make the vehicle unsafe to drive away are identified, the vehicle may be prohibited from being used.

Will the VIC endorse the quality of any repair work?

No.

What are the failure reasons?

There are seven failure reasons:
1. Detail discrepancies or signs of tampering were noted on the VIN Plate.
2. Detail discrepancies or signs of tampering were noted on the Visible VIN.
3. Detail discrepancies or signs of tampering were noted on the Stamped in VIN.
4. Repairs or damage corresponding to insurance records were not evident.
5. A variety of component dates did not corroborate the vehicle’s production/registration date.
6. The engine number displayed did not correspond with the DVLA record.
7. The vehicle’s appearance or significant physical details did not correspond to DVLA records for this VRM.

BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS:
Where should a VIC application be directed?

The VIC is available at 55 VOSA test stations. A full list is available on page 3 of form VIC1 (VIC Application form). Applications should be directed either to the test station where the VIC is requested (or their administrative site as specified on form VIC1) or to Welcombe House, 91- 92 The Strand, Swansea, SA1 2DH. A completed application form and fee will be required before the VIC can take place. Application forms are available from:
• The VOSA website at www.vosa.gov.uk
• Any VOSA test station
• The VOSA national number on 0870 6060 440

How much is the fee?

From the 1st October 2004, the fee is £36.00. The supplement for out of hours tests will remain the same (£43.50 in total).

Can the application be faxed or e-mailed?

Yes, provided the applicant holds a VOSA pre-funded customer account, as the fee needs to be collected when the application is submitted. Details of customer accounts can be obtained from any VOSA test station or by calling the VOSA national number on 0870 6060 440. Anyone wishing to submit applications via email should contact their local VIC site for further details.

What information is requested on the application form?

The vehicle registration mark (VRM), chassis number/VIN (taken from the vehicle), make, model, colour and engine number. All applications must be submitted under a VRM. The applicant is requested to provide an address where the vehicle is kept and also to supply any information or evidence in support of the application. Information is also requested regarding any modifications that may been carried out to the vehicle. This information is important because it will allow VOSA to make an initial assessment of the vehicle and to investigate and rectify any record discrepancies where they may exist in advance of allocating an appointment.

What are the test stations opening hours?

Normal opening hours are 8.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday, 8.00am – 4.30pm Friday. VICs will be available between these times at the main VIC test stations. At the more remote VIC test stations, VICs will only be available on a part time basis. Appointments outside of these core hours are available at certain test stations. A supplementary fee of £7.50 is payable for this. Applicants will need to contact individual test stations for further details regarding their opening hours and the availability of appointments.

Will a refund be due if a VIC appointment is cancelled?

A fee will be only be refunded if an appointment is cancelled at least 3 working days before the appointment date. If an applicant wishes to move an appointment to a later date then they must contact VOSA as early as possible. If less than 3 working days notice is given, another appointment must be paid for.

AFTER A VIC: What happens if a vehicle passes the VIC?

The owner can apply to DVLA for a registration document using a ‘Vehicle Registration Document Application Form’ (form V62).

How soon after a VIC can a V5 be issued?

DVLA must wait until they have received electronic notification of the result of the VIC from VOSA before they can issue a replacement V5. Under normal circumstances this will take 48 hours, however in a small minority of cases it may take longer than this.

Will any documentation be given to confirm the result of the VIC?

A pass certificate will be issued if a vehicle passes the VIC. If a vehicle fails, a failure notice will be issued which will provide a reason for the failure. An electronic notification of the result will also be forwarded to DVLA.

Will the pass certificate need to be presented to DVLA when applying for a registration document?

No. DVLA will only accept the electronic notification from VOSA as evidence that the vehicle has passed a VIC.

Can VOSA issue a replacement certificate?

Yes. A fee will be charged for this service, currently set at £11.00.

If a vehicle passes the VIC, does this guarantee that the vehicle is genuine?

When issuing a pass result, VOSA are confirming that as far as can be determined, taking into account the evidence provided and within the scope of the check, that the vehicle is believed to be genuine.

Will the registration document show any indication that the vehicle has been written off or damaged?

Yes. It will be noted as “Accident damaged and/or substantially repaired; identity checked on dd/mm/ccyy”.

What will happen if a vehicle fails the VIC?

The action taken by VOSA will depend on the reason for failure. For instance if the failure is due to a discrepancy between the vehicle and the vehicle record held by DVLA, then DVLA will be asked to investigate further. If the DVLA record then proves to be incorrect, VOSA will amend the VIC fail result to a pass. Other cases may be referred to the Police for further investigation.

If a vehicle fails the VIC will the fee still be payable?

Yes. The fee is required in advance of the VIC being carried out and will not be reimbursed should a vehicle fail.

Can an appeal be made against a failure decision?

Yes. An application can be made to VOSA stating the reason for the appeal. A full test fee will be payable. An appeal against a failure decision must be made within 28 calendar days of the original VIC being carried out. However, if a vehicle is believed to have incorrectly passed a VIC, then the appeal must be made within 28 calendar days of the registration document being issued. If an appeal is upheld, then the appeal fee will be refunded in full.

If a vehicle is purchased with a VIC pass certificate, how can it be confirmed that it is genuine?

Although VOSA issues a certificate, it should not be relied upon as evidence that a vehicle has passed a VIC. If a pass certificate is offered as proof, VOSA should be contacted on 0870 6060 440. VOSA can then advise whether the vehicle quoted has actually passed a VIC.