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FAQ's - General

This area contains some of our Frequently Asked Questions that are of a general nature. Other FAQ areas that may be of interest are as follows:

FAQ's - Fuel Consumption

FAQ's - Importing A Vehicle

FAQ's - Type Approval

Where can I find more detailed information about the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP)?

• Details of the scheme are available on the Euro NCAP web site at http://www.euroncap.com/ (links to another site).

Where can I find more detailed information about the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP)?

• Details of the scheme are available on the Euro NCAP web site at http://www.euroncap.com/ (links to another site).

Where can I find statistics/information regarding the number of license holders in the UK?

• The DVLA deals with all licensing enquiries. You can contact them on 08702 400009 or visit their website at www.dvla.gov.uk (links to another site)

Where can I obtain the details of roadworthiness tests (such as MOT's) for other European Countries?

• To obtain information on the above, contact the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) on enquiries@vosa.gov.uk or visit their website at www.vosa.gov.uk (links to another site).

Where can I find information on the national legislation of other EC countries?

• Unfortunately the VCA does not monitor the stance of other EC countries on legislation. To obtain this information, please contact the embassies concerned directly.

Who should I contact regarding the use of red diesel?

• Unfortunately VCA does not hold this information. Red diesel has an excise reduction as it is intended for agricultural use. For that reason try visiting the Customs & Excise website on www.hmce.gov.uk (links to another site) or try contacting them at:
  
  HM Customs and Excise, Portcullis House, 21 Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, CF11 9SS.
  Tel: 0845 000 0200

Where can I find statistics/information regarding motorbike registration?

• Such data is held by the British Motorcycle Industry Association. Try contacting Tom Waterer at:
  
  Starley House, Eaton Road, Coventry, CV1 2HF.
  Tel: 08700 706242
  Fax: 08700 703291
  
  E-mail: motorcycling@mcia.co.uk
  Alternatively you can visit their website at www.mcia.co.uk (links to another site).

Is there a numbering system for the chassis number of a private car among manufacturers in EC countries?

• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shall consist of 17 characters but generally it is up to the manufacturer to decide how to identify a particular vehicle.

Where can I find information about child safety and air bags in cars?

• The approval of Child Seats is governed by ECE Legislation Regulation 44. Within this legislation there is a positive statement relating to not using rear facing seats and airbags. There is no legislative restriction on forward facing seats, however the manufacturer is required to develop a set of instructions for the installation and use and this is often best guidance to follow. For information, in the press in North America there have been a couple of incidences of child deaths in relatively low speed accidents. It would appear that the infants are affected by the force of the airbag opening. Airbags are designed for adult use and therefore it may not be wise to carry young infants in seats fitted with airbags.

Where can I find information on the ventilation requirements in vehicles?

• Unfortunately, VCA is unaware of any information on this subject or where it could be found.

How do I put an all terrain vehicle on the road?

• The Construction & Use Regulations are dealt with by our policy branch, The Vehicle Standards & Engineering Division (VSE). They can be contacted on 020 7944 2078 or you can E-mail them at vsed@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Where can I find information about noise levels for motorcycle exhausts?

• There are specific requirements laid down in the EC Directive covering motorcycle noise. The test itself is a dynamic test known as drive by. The test is conducted on a special approved surface as described in the directive, due to the cost of this there are very few in the UK. The approach speed is 50km/h in specified gears followed by full throttle application. The acceptable noise level depends on engine size but generally lies between 75 and 80 dB.

If seat belts are fitted to HGV's does the driver commit an offence if they don't wear them?

• This is an area that is dealt with by our policy branch, The Vehicle Standards & Engineering Division (VSE). They can be contacted on 020 7944 2078 or you can E-mail them at vsed@dft.gsi.gov.uk.

How can I access a company's vehicle operators license details?

• Unfortunately VCA does not deal with Operator Licensing. Try e-mailing the The Vehicle & Operators Services Agency (VOSA) on enquiries@vosa.gov.uk

Where do I obtain information regarding trailers and horseboxes?

• You should contact the Goods Vehicle Centre (GVC) in Swansea to obtain information regarding the various legislation applying to trailers and horseboxes. Tel: 01792 454238

I already hold a driving license issued by another country. How can I obtain a British Driving License?

• Driving license queries are dealt with by the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You can contact them in one of the following ways:
  
  Customer Enquiries (Drivers) Unit, DVLC, Swansea, SA6 7JL
  Tel: 0870 240 0009
  Fax: 01792 783071
  
  E-mail: drivers.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
  Or by visiting their website on www.dvla.gov.uk (links to another site).

Where can I find the documentation/registration history for my vehicle?

• Unfortunately the VCA does not hold this information. Try contacting the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (Vehicle Registration & Licensing Enquiries) in one of the following ways:
  Customer Enquiries (Vehicles) Unit DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BL.
  Tel: 0870 240 0010
  
  Fax: 01792 782793
  E-mail: vehicles.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
  Or by visiting their website on www.dvla.gov.uk (links to another site).
  
  Please note that we cannot guarantee that the information you require will be available.