Do Classic Cars Need an MOT?

Author: Nik Berg

One of the many benefits of owning a classic car is that it will be exempt from the UK’s annual MOT test, as long as it meets the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) criteria. That potentially makes for an annual saving of over £50 which could be spent on maintenance, fuel, or a few pit stops at your favourite greasy spoon. However, before you start ordering new parts or a roadside burger, read on to discover all the UK MOT exemption rules for classic cars.

What we will cover:

MOT Rules for Classic Cars
MOT Exemptions Explained
Insurance Requirements and MOT
Should you get an MOT anyway?

Mechanic performing classic car MOT — Photo by Jimmy Nilsson Masth on Unsplash

MOT Rules for Classic Cars

UK MOT exemption for classic cars is based on a rolling 40-year rule. Once your car has passed the age of 40 years from its build date, you no longer need to take it for MOT testing each year. If you don’t know the exact date that your car was built, then defer to the date of first registration, instead. The only other caveat is that no ‘substantial changes’ have been made during the last 30 years, such as replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine – so if you have resto-modded your motor you may well need to keep up with the annual MOT, depending on the extent of the modifications. Full guidance on what counts as these substantial changes is available at the DVLA website. If you are still unsure, then an expert on your make and model can probably help. Track one down with the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs.

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White MGB which is exempt from MOT under UK MOT exemption rules

MOT Exemptions Explained

It’s not an automatic process to get your classic car exempted from its annual MOT once it reaches 40 years of age. You will need to apply to the DVLA for Historic Vehicle Tax Exemption. To do that you will need to visit a Post Office with your log book (V5C), your road tax reminder (if you have one) and evidence of a current MOT. You will then need to fill out a Declaration of exemption from MOT form (V112), confirming that your car now fits in Category R (A vehicle other than a public service vehicle registered or manufactured 40 years ago and which has not been substantially changed in the last 30 years). The Post Office will then send these forms to the DVLA for approval and, within a few days (hopefully) your classic car will now be exempt from having to have an annual MOT test. Remember that this does not automatically exempt your car from Road Tax, however, as the date for taxation is calculated from 1 April, as long as your classic car was registered before 1 January, 40 years earlier.

Insurance Requirements and the MOT

You will need to insure your classic car whether it is MOT exempt or not. It’s a legal requirement for all vehicles used on the road to be covered, and the only way to protect your investment. For your classic car it’s well worth getting a specialist policy as it will include agreed value cover, limited mileage use, and other benefits. Insurers will also make it a requirement for your car to be kept in roadworthy condition, even if an MOT certificate isn’t needed. The classic car MOT exemption rules aren’t an excuse to skimp on maintenance.

Two mechanics inspecting a classic car for an MOT

Should you get an MOT anyway?

Although it’s not a legal requirement for your classic car to have an MOT test once it has reached the 40-year mark, the law also says you need to keep it ‘roadworthy’. Whether you’re a DIY mechanic or have your pride and joy looked after by a trusted specialist, having an MOT test is actually a relatively inexpensive way to check its fitness. Tyre wear, brake performance, body and chassis condition, lights, seats and seatbelts, washers, wipers and suspension all get the once-over at the MOT testing station. If you have your car serviced regularly such items may well be checked and documented, but a file full of clean MOT certificates is still useful should you ever decide to sell your classic car, as it proves the vehicle has been cherished.

If you’re doing the maths and thinking of all the spark plugs or frothy coffees you could buy by not having your classic car MOT tested then consider that if you are caught by the police with a vehicle in a dangerous condition you could be fined up to £2,500 and get three penalty points on your licence.