Government releases guidance on MOT exemption for forty-year-old classics

Around 293,000 registered classic cars are to become exempt on a rolling basis from May

Government releases guidance on MOT exemption for forty-year-old classics
MOT change means some forty-year-old classic vehicles are to be given exemption later this year.

The Department for Transport has published definitions covering the 40-year exemption for vehicles of historic interest and what modifications are acceptable.

Vehicles over forty-years-old will be MOT exempt from May 20, 2018 on a rolling basis.

However, vehicles that have been substantially changed within the previous 30 years will still require an MOT.

In its official guidance, the Department for Transport said: “A vehicle will be considered substantially changed if the technical characteristics of the main components have changed in the previous 30 years, unless the changes fall into specific categories.”

Criteria for substantial change

The main components have been identified as the chassis or monocoque bodyshell including any sub-frames, engine, axles and running gear.

Chassis replacements of the same pattern as the original, alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine and alternative OE engines are not considered a substantial change.

Any modifications made to preserve a vehicle when original parts are no longer available and, in respect of running gear, improve efficiency or safety are acceptable.

MOT change means forty-year-old classic vehicles to be given exemption 

Exemption from MOT for vehicles of historic interest will be administered through the vehicle tax renewal process.

It will be the responsibility of owners to declare whether their vehicle meets the requirements.

Share your comments on historic vehicle MOT exemptions below.

Home Page Forums Government releases guidance on MOT exemption for forty-year-old classics

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  • #152148 Reply

    The Department for Transport has published definitions covering the 40-year exemption for vehicles of historic interest and what modifications are acc
    [See the full post at: Government releases guidance on MOT exemption for forty-year-old classics]

    #152868 Reply
    Mrs Bailey
    Guest

    Absolutely the most irresponsible decision , classic car owners may do limited annual mileage and a high proportion look after them well but as 2nd cars when money is tight a high proportion of owners will disregard the need to do repairs and maintain , Tyres especially will go past the 5 year tyre shelf life which means they start to deteriorate and on vehicles which are stored mostly during winter which causes deterioration if the tyres are not removed and stored correctly which 80% of owners don’t realise. I own 2 classics and would still prefer an annual mot to reassure me I’m driving a safe vehicle

    #152896 Reply
    Raymond Law
    Guest

    Who is going to police this .
    Will checking this cost more than an MOT

    #155754 Reply
    rose sheret
    Guest

    My main worry is, if in the event of an accident will the insurance companies turn around and say, as it’s not considered roadworthy, ie No MOT to prove it, we will no cover you for this accident.

    #155795 Reply
    Coln harvey
    Guest

    All reasonable comments on why they should or shouldn’t be checked for roadworthyness, but please bear in mind, it’s only after three years the MOT needs to be done, up till then you can drive to the moon without a check, which makes the argument for classics daft, most classics owned are probably in better condition and looked after than Jo blogs two year old option scheme sale or return imported biscuit tin, never the less my classic will be done still every year,to give me a proffesional. Opinion for self satisfaction, PS please be aware, no crown vehicles need an MOT so when a green goddess turns u
    P to put your house fire out don’t ask if it’s road legal

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