MOT
tests of classic cars over 40 years old are down by 71% since
MOT exemption in was introduced in 2018
This is the news in the lead article in the latest issue of
Classic Car Weekly and based on their research they say "the
number of cars over 40 years old submitted for an MOT test fell
by a quarter in 2021 compared with 2018". CCW add "while
Covid may still be having an impact on some classic car owners'
decision to get their car out of storage and tested, the figures
suggest that only a third of owners of classics over 40 years
old are choosing to get their car MOT tested every year."
Expert MOT testers can spot concerns and safety issues that
even a diligent owner maintaining and checking their Historic
vehicle could miss
For many classic car enthusiasts the annual MOT is a very worthwhile
check made by an experienced MOT tester with a skilled eye that
can spot areas of concern. As an example see a copy of an MOT
report on an MGBGTV8 with some shocking issues listed under
"Do not drive until repaired (dangerous defects)"!
See worrying
MOT test report
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MOT
exemption criteria for Historic (classic) vehicles
In May
2018 the rules were changed, so you do not need to get an MOT
if the vehicle was first registered more than 40 years ago and
no "substantial changes" have been made to the vehicle
in the last 30 years. This
includes vehicles previously exempted on the basis of being
first registered before 1960. A classic car that’s older
than 40 years is not MOT-exempt until you have declared it as
a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI). This can be done at your
nearest Post Office by filling out a V112 form. Whether or not
you are MOT exempt your vehicle must be roadworthy and
you may wish to voluntarily undertake an MOT test anyway.
Insurance policy condition
Your motor insurance policy will almost certainly have a condition
requiring the policyholder to maintain their car is a roadworthy
condition and failure to do so could, following a claim under
the policy and the discovery of inadequate maintenance by a
insurance vehicle inspector, lead to a reduced payout or the
insurer deciding to vitiate the policy for a breach of an important
policy condition.
What does ‘substantial changes’ mean?
A vehicle alteration is a "substantial change" if
the technical characteristics of the main components have changed
in the previous 30 years, unless these fall into the acceptable
alterations category. Full
guidance relating to substantial changes was published following
the announcement of changes to the MOT regime for vehicles of
historic interest.
See
the GOV.UK website |
