noun

SORN

sorn

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SORN (noun) means In the UK, a formal declaration to the DVLA that a vehicle is off the road and will not be used or parked on a public road, which suspends the requirement to tax and insure it; short for Statutory Off Road Notification. Example: “The van is on a SORN until I rebuild the engine.”

noun

In the UK, a formal declaration to the DVLA that a vehicle is off the road and will not be used or parked on a public road, which suspends the requirement to tax and insure it; short for Statutory Off Road Notification.

"The van is on a SORN until I rebuild the engine."

"You can claim a refund on the remaining tax when you make a SORN."

verb

To register a vehicle as off the road with the DVLA.

"I SORNed the car in October and it has been in the garage since."

How to use SORN

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTelling the DVLA your car is off the road so you do not have to tax it.

When to use it

British administrative term, meaningless outside the UK. Written in capitals as a noun, often lower case as a verb (sorned).

Memory tip

A SORN car must be kept on private land such as a drive, garage or yard, never on the street.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

MOT → road tax untaxed →

Common pairings

make a SORN declare a SORN the car is SORNed SORN online

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The van is on a _____ until I rebuild the engine.

Etymology

An acronym of Statutory Off Road Notification.

Origin: English

Rhymes for SORN

born torn worn horn porn corn Zorn morn Dorn sworn thorn scorn

See all rhymes for SORN →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need insurance on a SORN car?

You are not legally required to insure a vehicle that is properly declared SORN and kept off the road, because continuous insurance enforcement is suspended. Many owners still keep fire and theft cover, and you must insure it again before it goes back on the road.

Does a SORN vehicle need an MOT?

Not while it is off the road. You will need a valid MOT before you drive it again, and the only journey you may legally make without one is a pre-booked appointment at a test centre.

How long does a SORN last?

Indefinitely. Once declared, it stays in force until you tax the vehicle again, sell it or scrap it, so there is no annual renewal.

What is the meaning of SORN?

"SORN" (noun) means in the UK, a formal declaration to the DVLA that a vehicle is off the road and will not be used or parked on a public road, which suspends the requirement to tax and insure it; short for Statutory Off Road Notification.