My English car is registered in France but i would like to give it to my grandson back in England. Can anyone tell me if it easy/difficult to take it back and get it re-registered in my grandsons name. Thanks..Mo

I asked this very question of DVLA a few months ago and this is the reply I received:

It may be helpful if I explain that a vehicle, on its return to the mainland United Kingdom, must be registered and taxed with the DVLA immediately when it arrives in the country. This must be done as the vehicle cannot be used or kept on public roads until it is registered and taxed.

The only circumstances, in which you can drive the vehicle, are to and from a pre-arranged IVA/MOT test and to and from a garage for remedial work following failure to pass the test. Thereafter the vehicle should be kept off the road until the taxing and registration formalities have been finalised.

UK law requires a vehicle to be taxed and registered for road use. To avoid difficulties, importers are advised to transport rather than drive their vehicles from the port of entry to home or first destination (unless to a pre-arranged IVA/MOT test).

You can apply to register your vehicle at your nearest DVLA Local Office.

You will need to submit the following documentation to the DVLA Local Office to register and tax the vehicle (photocopies are not acceptable):

• a filled in application form V55/5 (for used vehicles)

• fee for the vehicle tax (cheques or postal orders made payable to DVLA Swansea)

• a current British Insurance certificate or cover note

• the V561 certificate of export, foreign registration document or any other papers relating to the vehicle

• a current British MOT test certificate (if applicable)

• documentation confirming your name and address

Documentation confirming your name must be one of the following:

• current DVLA paper/photocard driving licence

• United Kingdom or European Union or foreign passport

• marriage certificate

• decree nisi or absolute

• birth certificate

Documentation confirming your address must be one of the following:

• utility bill valid within the last three months e.g. gas, electricity, water, landline telephone

• Bank or Building Society statement valid within the last three months

• medical card

• council tax bill for current year

Registering and taxing the vehicle will not take place unless you have the necessary documentation. In some cases the DVLA Local Office may wish to see the vehicle to check it's identity.

Applications can be made in person or by post, however there is no over the counter service to register vehicles at local offices.

Thanks so much for this very helpful information... Mo