Classic cars owners urged to get an MOT test before driving abroad

A voluntary MOT test ‘may be good practice’

Classic cars owners urged to get an MOT test before driving abroad

As the summer holiday season edges closer, drivers of MOT-exempt classic cars are being urged to get them tested before travelling abroad.

If a vehicle is at least 40 years old, then it is exempt from both the annual MOT test and vehicle excise duty (VED).

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport (DfT) told Classic Car Weekly: “UK law still applies to a UK-registered vehicle if you take it abroad for less than 12 months.

“The EU has issued directives on roadworthiness, which include provisions on vehicles of historic interest. The application of these provisions may vary by EU state and all members may not have the same rules or application of the rules.

“There is a degree of discretion on individual member states of the EU as to what they exempt as historic.

“While it is not a legal requirement in the UK to have an MOT for historical vehicles it may be good practice to have a voluntary test in advance of travel to avoid problems and provide of the vehicle being properly maintained.

“We are not aware of any instances of any major difficulties encountered by individuals driving vehicles of historic interest.”

Garage Wire comment

Although historic vehicles are exempt from the MOT test, the owners should be encouraged to take them for a voluntary test. What price safety when a test for a classic car costs a maximum of £54.85? Many garages would, justifiably, charge at least double that for a pre-purchase inspection.

Customers should be reminded of the wording contained within the MOT exemption criteria: ‘Whether or not you are exempt your vehicle must be roadworthy and you may wish to voluntarily undertake an MOT test anyway.’

In other words, a driver risks a fine of £2500, a driving ban and three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

A voluntary test provides the reassurance that a classic car is safe to drive, regardless of whether or not the customer is planning a trip cross the Channel.

Something to stick on the wall in the customer waiting area?

Source: Classic Car Weekly

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