I sent my chassis number to my local DVLA office (Stockton) and asked if it was OK. I also asked if they could come to my home to inspect the car.

Today I got a letter from them.

They see no reason why I can't use my chassis number but didn't confirm it.

Then, no we do not carry out home inspections, the vehicle must be transported to the local office for inspection.

The bottom line of the letter says go Newcastle LO instead.

I can see it's going to be dead easy to get my car on the road

Ah - Government efficiency in action again.

Unlucky

Nottingham DVLA go to the Nottingham SVA centre every friday.

Last Friday I took my MK to the SVA centre, DVLA man inspected car, then as he had another car to inspect waited until I had (fortunately) my pass, took all the paperwork and my cheque with him and promised a 48 hour turn round for the letter proving the registration and my tax disc.

Although to be fair I had managed to aquire to get a direct telephone number to him

You seem to have struck unlucky with Stockton. For my registration I have dealt with Nottingham, Beverley and Leeds DVLA offices and all staff I spoke to were very helpful. As I have posted elsewhere Leeds and Beverley combined very efficiently to get me my plates on the same day as the inspection (they already had the paperwork). Beverley would have done a home inspection but I couldn't wait and I took my car to Leeds for that.

On the point about being able to drive to the test, the law does allow you to do this (ref: Section 42 (4) (b) of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994), but you should also have insurance and the car must be road worthy which, if you passed SVA, it should be so long as you haven't done any post-SVA mods.