40-year-old classics in rolling MOT exemption
MOT test shake-up
VEHICLES first registered over 40 years ago will be exempt from MOT tests on a rolling basis starting from May next year, the Government has announced.
Currently, only those built or first registered before 1960 do not require an annual MOT. However, the Department for Transport has now agreed that cars, vans and other privately used vehicles first built or registered over 40 years ago will be exempt from an MOT. This rolling scheme follows a successful consultation into reforming the criteria for the roadworthiness test launched at the end of last year. The changes will come into effect from 20 May 2018.
There are 197,000 vehicles registered that are currently exempt from MOT testing annually, and the Government predicts the changes will mean an additional 293,000 classic car owners will now no longer be required to have their car tested every year.
The DFT argued cars aged 40 or older are often kept in good condition by owners, and not used regularly enough to warrant an MOT. Furthermore, it concluded that the modern test is no longer relevant to assess cars over 40 years old and that some garages will struggle to fully validate them.
By bringing the exemption date forward, the DFT pointed out that it would also “harmonise the MOT exemption date with the [exemption] date for Vehicle Excise Duty”.
Parliamentary under secretary of state for roads, local transport and devolution, Jesse Norman MP, said: “We have decided to exempt most vehicles over 40 years old from the requirement for annual roadworthiness testing.
“This means lighter vehicles such as cars and motorcycles and those larger vehicles such as buses not used commercially. Vehicles that have been substantially changed, regardless of their age, will not be exempt from annual roadworthiness testing.”
News Classic cars won’t need test under new DFT ruling from May 2018 “It’s predicted the changes will mean an additional 293,000 classic car owners will no longer be required to have their car tested”