The DVLA has released the results of a call for evidence regarding the future of classic cars in the UK. The survey, launched in May 2024, aimed to gauge public opinion on potential changes to registration, MOT testing, and support for the classic car sector.
Nearly 1,400 responses were received, with classic car owners largely expressing satisfaction with the current system. Almost half (49%) felt the existing registration process works well and requires no separate system for historic vehicles. Additionally, 86% opposed the introduction of specific registration numbers for classic cars.
Opinions regarding mandatory safety checks were more divided. While nearly 40% disagreed with the need for new MOT-style tests, 28% advocated for a basic, “sympathetic” roadworthiness check specifically tailored to classic vehicles.
These findings suggest most classic car owners favour maintaining the status quo. The DVLA may consider these results when formulating future policies for the classic car sector.
Source: GB News
BOB EVANS
Surely older cars need checking too.I am an MOT tester and see modern death traps daily so how can it be safe to let classic cars not be checked?
Matthew Brown
I work in a garage which 70% of our work is on 40+ year old “classics.” Half of the vehicles i see should not even be on the road due to badly corroded chassis and other stuff that will most definitely fail the MOT test. “Classic” vehicles NEED a MOT to keep the deathtraps off the road!
Jon nolan
I own a Classic Car service and restoration business and we are sick of seeing shiny death traps! Very soon there will be a major loss of life caused by a classic car that snaps in half or sets on fire or both and wipes out several other road users. There has to be a basic safety check before there is a major incident and the Government carries out some ridiculous knee jerk reaction!
mick
as a classic owner , i am familiar with old astons jags mgs. some of the “restored” cars we have seen are appalling. the phrase old bakes were never that good is bull. true not up to modern feather light but effective with a shove and if the servo failed a bigger shove would bring them to a stop. try a failed servo on an audi…a properly set up classic can be just as good as a modern car, but they just need extra anticipation. as for maintenance underseal does not fix chassis rot and holes even if it is only used for short runs in the summer. matthew brown is correct they need mots i have seen too many death traps.
Peter
All this is good and fine there is one thing we are missing insurance companies!!
When you drive a un road worthy classic on the public road and you cause a incident your insurance will be void.
This is why I get all the classic owners we look after to mot there Cars.
steve coppock
I looked at an old classic Bentley, and the rear springs were not connected to the chassis as there wasn’t a x member!! they had a piece of wood between the shackle holes which was resting on the remaining chassis rails and classic owners dont want MOT’s??