ITV IN VILLENA

Firstly the Villena ITV is not in Villena. It is midway between Villena and Sax just off the A31, Salida 191 signposted Santa Eulalia. Do NOT go to Santa Eulalia. The ITV is behind the Persax factory on the opposite side of the motorway next to Extrusax.

This is an incredibly busy test station and progress is usually very slow so allow at least half a day. They open at 8:00 and when I got there at 06:30 I was 12th in the queue. When I left at 10:00 the queue was out of the gate. At least 40 cars.

Even with an appointment do not expect to go in on time. Book on itvebasa.com/cita-previa-itv/ 

There is minimal waiting area to sit. You use the buildings as sun shades. There is a coffee machine near the office.

If you choose just to turn up, expect a along wait as booked in cars keep going up to the front of the queue. A dozen cars in front of you will take at least one and a half to two hours.

The actual test is pretty much the same as the UK MoT. Be warned that they are incredibly pedantic on paperwork detail. Take time to ensure you have all the right paperwork and all the respective numbers match ie the VIN on the car matches the one in the log book(V5) or you will not be allowed a test.

There are three lanes so expect to be sharing with busses, trucks, tractors and diggers.

In my case the sticky 'type approval' label had come off the towbar so I got bumped and had to remove the complete tow bar.

Also remove any front bull bars or similar. If you have a 4x4 with a swing out spare wheel make sure you can prove it is original equipment ie a sales brochure or manufacturer's list of extras.

If you have an LPG conversion make sure it is homologated (type approved) for Spain or that has to come off too.

Another one that caught me out was that there is tinted film on the windows behind the front seats, the car came with it. It appears that in Spain this has to have some sort of certification, but I don't know what form it would take. The end result is that it has got to come off as well. Personally I think that is totally ridiculous but you can't argue with these people.

Don't forget that in Spain tyres on the same axle must match exactly ie make, size and tread pattern and if they are direction sensitive, which many modern tyres are, make sure they are the right way round. ( I think they call that progress!!).

If you get a refusal you have 16 days to fix it and go back.

I have been told that the ITV in Jumilla is a much more user friendly place. I have also heard that you are not supposed to go into Murcia from Alicante for an ITV but have no proof. 

I know where I am going next time even though this test station is half a mile from my house!

GOOD LUCK