SORN cars are not allowed to be on the road, so test driving is not an option unless you have the ability to test on some private land. Cars are registered as SORN to inform the DVLA that they will not be used on the road, and as a result have no tax – a car is either taxed or under a SORN. Never both. If you want to test drive a car that has a SORN, it must be tested on private land otherwise you will need to tax it first. If you do tax it, it will need to have a valid MOT and insurance, too.
How do I know if I should buy a SORN car?
If you’re unsure about a SORN car, then the initial feeling is you probably shouldn’t be buying it. If you’re adamant that you want to test it before you buy it, then you’ll need to arrange for it to be transported somewhere appropriate for testing. When buying a SORN car you need to make sure you are absolutely certain about the condition of it – it’s probably been registered as SORN for a reason, after all.
How do I get a SORN car to a garage?
This depends on what you’re going to the garage for. If you’re going for a pre-booked MOT test, then you may drive it. This is the only occasion you can drive a car that has been registered as SORN. If you are going to a garage for any other reason, such as repairs, then it will need to be transported on a truck or trailer.
Do I need insurance to drive a SORN car to an MOT?
Yes. Every single time you drive on the road you must be insured. It is a crime to drive without insurance. When driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment you can drive under a SORN and without a valid MOT certificate, but the car still must be insured.
Can I drive without tax or MOT?
If you have a SORN in place then you won’t have tax – it is impossible to have both a SORN in place and be taxed. Tax and SORN are linked and one will cancel the other. In order to end a SORN you must tax a car, and registering as SORN will immediately cancel your tax. In these instances, the only time you can be on the road without valid tax or an MOT certificate is driving to your MOT test. This must be a direct journey with no stops at all on route, such as a petrol station or convenience shop.
Can I drive a SORN car on trade plates?
No – in fact if your car is a SORN it shouldn’t be able to drive on trade plates anyway. When a car is sold to the motor trade, it no longer requires valid tax or SORN as it sits in its own trade regulations. Dealers can move vehicles between locations without tax on trade plates, so there is no need for them to register vehicles as SORN. For this reason, it is highly unlikely for there to be a situation where a SORN car might be moved under trade plates.
SORN Buying & Selling Hub
SORN Buying & Selling HubExplore expert advice on tax, insurance, and legal matters for SORNed cars and motorbikes. Our Knowledge Centre offers essential information to ensure you’re fully informed to manage your vehicle off the road.
Buying a SORN car
A quick guide to what to look for when you’re buying a SORN car.
Selling a SORN car
Find out how to sell your SORN car, from getting the most out of it to what legalities you need to be aware of.
Or, visit our SORNing Knowledge Centre for guides on all topics related to SORNing and storing your car or bike
FAQs
SORN my car to trade
When you sell a car, taxed or otherwise, the tax (or SORN) is instantly cancelled. As such, once you have completed the paperwork you no longer need to worry about SORNing the car, even if you know it’s going to be sitting on a forecourt somewhere. The car is no longer your problem, so as long as you have completed the paperwork correctly, your part is done.
Transfer number plate from a SORN car
Transferring a number plate from a SORN car is the same as transferring the number plate from a normal road-worthy car. This can be done online or alternatively you will need to complete a V317 ‘transfer or retain a vehicle registration’ form and send that with your V5C, a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’ and the £80 fee to the DVLA in Cardiff.
How to transfer ownership of a SORN car
It is not possible to transfer ownership of a SORN car. Instead, the new owner must register the car in their name first and then apply for a SORN of their own. When a SORN car is sold, the SORN is instantly cancelled.
