just about to book my sva, my nearest test stations are either yeading or southampton. anybody had any experience of either? many thanks in advance. MART.

Don't go to Southampton - they are well known for being picky.

yeading isnt too friendly either,i live 5 mins from there and am considering mitcham

I found the guys at Southampton to be very fair & helpfull. They do seem to get a bad press but they are only doing their job and in the end you do want a car that is safe.

I got the impression that if the car being tested looks as of it has been put together with an eye on the regs you should be ok.

Presentation is the key to a successful pass.

Keith

I've taken 4 cars through E-Sva at southampton and every time they've been helpful and tried to pass the cars.
I've taken a couple though at mitcham and they were a nightmare, chelmsford were quite friendly though.

Mart,

I thought mitcham would be closer to you as thats where i'm planning on going...

Ned.

ps how did you get on with inspection/chassis number as I'm trying to sort this at the moment. I'm assuming you went via wimbeldon as the loca dvla office?

[Edited on 8/6/06 by ned]