Verified answer

No. The DVLA rules state:-

The vehicle (car or van) you trade In must:-

* be a car or small van weighing up to 3,500 kilograms (kg)

* be registered in the United Kingdom (UK) on or before 31 August 1999

* be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in your name

* have been registered to you continuously for 12 calendar months before the order date of the new vehicle

* have a UK address on the registration certificate (V5C)

* have a current MOT test certificate before date of order for the new vehicle (or within 14 days of expiry at the time of order)

* have a current tax disc when the order for the new vehicle is placed (or within 14 days of expiry at the time of order)

* be insured when the order for the new vehicle is placed

The car simply has to have a current MOT, it does not need to be capable of passing a new MOT. But you can't just turn up with an unrecognisable write-off either as the dealer and the scrap yard have to be able to verify the scrapped car's identity.

Some dealers have refused vehicles which have been stripped after the deal is agreed. If a vehicle is in a condition which makes it difficult to move then it's both awkward and more expensive to deal with and dispose of than a vehicle which can be winched or driven onto a car transporter.