I would check with the DVLA - to transfer a plate onto retention is £105 - including the £80 transfer fee to get onto another vehicle.

As long as you have the V5 and the registered keeper of the vehicle you should be able to transfer the plate.

As the car is SORN it would be easiest as trying transfer plates across cars that are on the road is a nightmare with insurance, etc

Found this link https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/retaining-a-registration-number

It would appear to retain the numberplate it must be of a type that needs an MOT. Only cars registered before 1960 need an MOT to transfer.

Let me know how you get on as I'm doing some radical work on my classic mini - has personalised plates at the moment, so would need to transfer off so it's not overwritten if it needs an SVA Test before the car is back on the road.

The link you have just posted says it needs a MOT (as we have established).

It is contradictory - think a visit to the local DVLA office is in order before you do anything else.

I have the last MOT certificate the Mini had - expired Oct 2011. Also the four page failure list lol.

It seems fairly clear to me, all vehicles need a mot for their class. It then says in the box pre 1960 motors need a mot also (as they are mot exempt on the road)

Edited 10 January, 201313 yr by matt1chelski

I'm passing the DVLA local office tomorrow - will pop in.

Got me panicing now over my plate on the Mini - may have to change my plans depending on what they say

Edited 10 January, 201313 yr by Shandy_Fabia

Sorry - didn't make it to the DVLA today.

Started off my trip by popping to Asda.

Stationary in the car park at a give way the women in the car behind me had an issue with her shoe and drove into the back of me.

Oh dear... Looks like it will pop out anyway!

Stupid woman!