So, I am back to my roots again and now run a little hatchback. Missing the space, but enjoying the 50mpg and Japanese bulletproofness and lack of bonnet opening!
The government has driven me crazy this last week, mind-due to their left hand not talking to the right hand....
MOT-my car was first registered on 26th April 2007 and was needing its first MOT, so I booked it in as suggested during the month before the date as you can get the MOT running from the actual date; so if within a month before 26/04/2010, would still date until 25/04/2011.
Except it doesn't. After much swearing and having three "definite" different answers of 1 month prior, 28 days prior and 1 month minus a day prior.....the answer is:
You can present the car one month, minus a day before the required date in order to get the MOT to expire 12 months from the date of the previous MOT.
Booked online with Kwik-fit in the end, passed no issues, not bad for 56,000 mile 3 year old car hacked around the lanes and without any prep.
TAX
All the tax bands changed on 1st April and on renewing, this did seem like an April Fool joke.
The governments own site:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_172916stated my 137g/km car was now in the £110pa band, but my reminder for April renewal was on the old price £120.
I tried numerous times online to sort it, no chance. Ended up going to Post Office on 1st April and finally getting it for £110. Some of the cars I owned in the last few years would now be £20pa or £90pa.
I wonder how many people overpaid or underpaid and how much will this cock-up cost to rectify when people realise?
Incidentally, pre-2001 Omegas all now £205pa, I think all post-2001 petrols now £235pa. Eeek.