After a 2018 law change, owners were delighted to hear that 300,000 more classic cars would be exempt from MOT. The law has changed to allow vehicles in the UK to be MOT exempt after they reach 40 years old.
The new rules were put into effect in May 2018. However, many classic car enthusiasts might be curious about what this means and whether they still need an MOT. We have created this ultimate guide to help you navigate the 40-year MOT exemption laws.
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The UK has a growing number of classic cars. People are more interested in classic and vintage cars. The number of people who have them is growing, but so is their restoration.
This is great news for the classic automobile industry but it also means more people need to be aware of these regulations. All cars older than 25 years are exempted from the UK’s MOT testing. You don’t need to have your car tested if it was made before 1960. This doesn’t mean you can ignore your classic car. It’s important to make sure your car is safe to drive, even though it isn’t required by law. This can be done by taking your car to a mechanic who will inspect it thoroughly.
What does MOT mean?
The MOT stands to “Ministry of Transport.” Every year, all vehicles in the UK must pass it once they turn a certain age. The MOT is designed to make sure that vehicles are safe on the roads. This test examines your car’s brakes and lights. Your car will fail the MOT if these components are not in good condition.
What is MOT Exemption?
There is always small print to be aware of. The classic car MOT exemption is not applicable to vehicles that have been subject to significant modifications (or’substantial changes’) in the last 30 years.
The government has provided detailed guidelines on what constitutes a substantial change to’vehicles historical interest’ (VHI). The government has provided guidelines that will help you determine if your vehicle is MOT-exempt.
- Chassis, with any sub-frames
- Axles and running gear, as well as the type of steering or suspension
- Changes to engines, such as the number of cylinders that are present
This is not an exhaustive list. Car owners should consult the full guide document for more details.
Are the changes applicable to other types vehicles?
There are many types of vehicles that fall under the MOT exemption category. These changes have meant that motorbikes, vans, and cars older than 40 years are now exempt from MOT, provided they haven’t been modified in any way.
Trucks, lorries, and other large goods vehicles are not exempt from the requirement for an annual MOT. These rules also apply to self-built and kit cars.
According to the Department for Transport (DfT), cars older than 40 years no longer need to pass their annual road worthiness inspection, commonly known as an MOT.
Before the rule change, vehicles that were built or registered prior to 1960 were exempt from MOT. This was almost 200,000 cars at the time. As a result, the number of MOT-exempt cars has risen dramatically to 300,000.
This change allowed all manner of era-defining vehicles to be legally roadworthy without the need for an updated MOT.
We mentioned that cars older than 25 years are exempted from MOT testing within the UK. The government considers these vehicles “historic.” But, you don’t have to neglect your classic car. It’s important to make sure your car is safe to drive, even though it’s not required under law. You can take your classic car to a mechanic, who will give it a detailed inspection.
What Do I Need to Get My Car Tested?
Although classic cars are exempted from MOT testing we recommend that you take your car to a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection. This is the best way for your car to be safe to drive. An experienced mechanic will be able to spot potential problems and fix them before they escalate into a larger problem.
How to Prepare Your Classic Car for MOT
There are some things you can do to prepare your classic car for testing.
- Make sure that all components work properly. This includes your car’s brakes and tyres as well as the lights.
- Make sure your car is free from debris and dirt.
- When you bring your car to the testing centre, make sure you have all necessary paperwork.
It’s a great way of ensuring your car is safe to drive. Although classic cars are exempted from the MOT, it is a good idea to take your car to a mechanic for an inspection. This is the best way for your car to be safe on the road and in good condition. If you are selling your car, it is a good idea to have an MOT done. It will allow you to get a higher price for your vehicle and provide peace of mind for potential buyers. Checkreg allows you to view the MOT history for any vehicle in the UK. You only need the vehicle’s registration number to view its entire MOT history. This includes failures, advisories and reasons for refusing to drive the car. Check reg can be used to check the tax status and insurance details of a car.
Check Reg offers the best free car inspection on the market, including a complete history report and MOT check that covers every car in the UK. Our detailed, reliable insights provide you with all the details you need to know about a vehicle. This is the perfect tool for car sellers, buyers, and dealers. Visit our Facebook page for more interesting tips.