The simple steps for registering a car

For this post, I thought I'd share about the process of getting a non-Manx car registered over here. Some of the pain is IOM government procedure and some is undoubtedly my own doing. But if it's painful reading, imagine the fun I've had living it.

Go to register car. Need road-worthiness approval certificate.

Apply for road-worthiness test. Fill out form, send back to test centre, await an appointment. 

Miraculously, car passes test. I'm not sure how because every time we start the car it seems that something else stops working optimally. Also the heater doesn't work so the windscreen fogs up every time it gets too warm or cold. The test takes all of 10 minutes so I'm not entirely convinced of its thoroughness, but car and I take the certificate and bolt.

Vehicle Licence Form ... need insurance certificate... 

Realise that not only do I not have the certificate, I have forgotten who I insured car with and all correspondence was sent to my old work address (ROOKIE MISTAKE). Consider whether it is illegal to have 2 insurance policies at the same time.

Attack filing in an attempt to find a record of it on a bank statement. Two hours later, find letter with insurer's details in one of many "organised piles".

Call insurers. Get through with minimal phone automation. Find out that they won't insure the car here.

Find new insurance. Discover "All cars may be insured with a valid IOM registration number". 

Head to post office to hand in Vehicle Registration Form. I'm asked for registration documents (was this form not said document?) and... insurance certificate. A pattern of unhelpful and inescapable circles is swiftly emerging. 

Be very jealous of new friend E, whose car failed the test, but which means she will just buy new car on island therefore simplifying process hugely.

I tell my plight of vicious circles. Helpful lady takes pity on me and gives me a registration number they will hold for 4/5 days or so, and tells me to go and sort the insurance out and then come back. Also with the documents that prove my ownership of the car - ah, THOSE registration documents. (Oh..uh, where are they?)

Call third insurance company. Get reasonable quote. Am not asked for registration number.

Return to now orderly filing, to search for car registration document. Search through various suitcases, files and drawers. A flash of inspiration leads me to check alternate handbag. Bingo. 

Now, all that remains is to hand everything in.... and then go through the rigmarole of changing my name for all of this...