Interesting reading Blair.
In conclusion unless a vehicle is ADR approved you CANNOT drive it on the road no matter what permit you have.
Sounds very much that the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing such that the "Enforcer" - the Police has no problem in grounding you.
Question 1 - why didn't you get it ADR approved first and then pick up your VIN numbers?
Question 2 - can you not get it trailered up north and then get the ADR approval there followed by the VIN numbers?
Statement - Bloody nice dials
Question 3 - what was the web site for those transfers?