-Just received my Drive Clean accreditation package from the good old MOE (I am not a shop- this was for my own education).

THIS particular detail doesn't seem to be mentioned on their website or the MOT site:

If you buy a used car and want to plate it: THERE IS NO 'CONDITIONAL PASS' FOR EMISSIONS. i.e. no price cap on emissions repairs- you are forced to get a legitimate emissions 'pass' or the MOT will not plate the vehicle.

Now emissions test 'pass' certificates are good for a year- so as long as you buy a vehicle with a valid 'pass' certificate less than a year old- you can safety and then plate the vehicle. If not- then you could be stuck pouring thousands into the vehicle as the 'conditional' pass option does not apply.

Here's another 'kicker' for you: When an emission test technician tests the vehicle, they enter the VIN#- the computer has no idea if this is because of a change of ownership/re-certification- so it may spit out a 'conditional pass'- but the MOT can still refuse it- the driveclean test facility should not have handed you a 'conditional' certificate. Of course, if this did happen, it would probably be at the discretion of the MOT clerk (training, their mood, whatever) that would then dictate whether you are going to be rejected or not.

SO- beware when buying a used car you want to put on the road...

 

Very good thing to give a heads up to those that are unaware. That little tidbit of info is on the Drive Clean site somewhere though. I had to really search for it before.

 

I went through this when I was searching for a winter beater. There are a ton of cars out there that you can buy on the cheap but if then end up spending $$$ on the making the emissions roadworthy. Beware.

RP.

 

When I got my car, I wasn't aware I needed to pass the e-test to get plates. Even thou I got the ownership (as pass fit vechile) and safty cert. still had to pass emissions. Which it didn't.
I spent thousands, so now the car is going in my Will.