| Check 
            on how many MGBGTV8s have had an MOT test 
 Wondering how many of the 
            MGBGTV8s, which V8 members have registered with the V8 Database over 
            the last 50 years, has a current MOT, Victor Smith carried out a genuine 
            random search of 55 records on the database to make a check. The results 
            were interesting.
 
 Posted: 250115
 |  Random search 
            results showed 7% had a current MOT recorded in the last 12 months, 
            53% had an MOT test more than 24 months ago and 40% had a VRN (Vehicle 
            Registration Number or plate) that is no longer recorded by DVLA suggesting 
            the car had been sold to an overseas buyer or more likely scrapped. 
            When people who have registered an MGV8 sell their car (or have it 
            scrapped) they very rarely notify the V8 Registrar so our database 
            can be updated, so the 40% in our search results is an indication 
            of the scale of that issue.
 
 
 |  Review of the 
            current and recent MOTs data alongside using the GOV.UK "Check 
            MOT history" website showed 12% had a current MOT and 
            88% had an MOT test carried out more than 24 months ago. At 12% 
            that is only just over 1 in 8 MGBGTV8s checked by our random 
            search has a current MOT. It seems 88% have chosen not to have 
            an annual MOT test - considerably greater than the 36% of respondents 
            to the DVLA's consultation that saw no need for a change in the current 
            MOT exemption rules.
 
 | 
         
          |  | Feedback 
            from a V8 members with his views on the MOT testing of vehicles currently 
            exempt (posted on the V8BB thread) I agree that it is desirable for Historic cars to have an annual MOT 
            for the reasons that have given although I am not convinced that just 
            getting your car serviced by a specialist will necessarily be sufficient 
            evidence that you meet the insurance requirement to maintain it in 
            a roadworthy condition. Personally I always combine an MOT with a 
            service at Brown & Gammons. It's also more convenient to do it 
            that way as many minor fails are picked up and fixed immediately.
 There is another 
              aspect to this and that is the resale value of your car. I am sure 
              that a continuous full service and MOT history will enhance 
              its value. Conversely, would a potential buyer be so keen on buying 
              a 50 year old vehicle with no MOT? On the low number, 
              7% in your sample, of MGBGTV8s with current MOTs, I wonder if this 
              is related to annual mileage or if the cars are used as daily drivers? 
              Perhaps owners of classic cars who only drive them in the summer 
              season have a different attitude to these things?My view is that 
            I would support annual MOTs being made compulsory for Historic cars 
            but perhaps with the exception of very ancient vehicles where it would 
            be difficult to establish safety standards that could be tested. Duglad 
            MacNeill V8BB 
            thread 
 | 
         
          | Classic 
            cars could soon require MOTs 
 Feature articles in today's issue of both The Times and the Daily 
            Telegraph highlight the results of a DfT public consultation on MOT 
            tests for classic cars over 40 years old. Times 
            & Telegraph
 
 The article in The Times notes "a Government spokesman said any 
            plans for new safety tests for classic cars would be announced" 
            adding "all car owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicle 
            meets the road safety and environmental standards".
 
 Posted: 241228
 
 
 |  Over 
            41% respondents to 
            a DfT (Department of Transport) public consultation 
            said they supported either a full MOT or similar safety tests appropriate 
            for the age of the classic or historic car. Only 36% of respondents 
            saw no need for a change in the current exemption rules.
 
 At present cars more than 40 years old are exempt from Vehicle Excise 
            Duty (VED) and MOT testing provided they have not been "substantially 
            modified".
 |  Opinions 
            remain split on this topic with some enthusiasts feeling the annual 
            inspection by an experienced MOT inspector is a worthwhile safety 
            check at a modest cost, whereas others feel owners are capable of 
            maintaining their vehicles in a roadworthy condition. There is general 
            support for inspections following a major repair, restoration or rebuild 
            of a vehicle and support for an optional roadworthiness test for vehicles 
            being returned to the road after an extended laying-up period.
 
 Fellow MGV8 members' views on the MOT testing of vehicles currently 
            exempt will be welcome on a V8BB thread launched today. Link
 
 | 
         
          | Why 
            an MOT or a "non-MOT" inspection is wise for Historic cars 
            eligible for MOT exemption 
 In the latest issue of Classic Car Weekly the letter of the week in 
            the "Your Letters" section has a letter from an MGB Roadster 
            owner who says "whenever I read about the MOT exemption debate 
            I am always left wondering why more people don't subscribe to what 
            is an easy and obvious solution - simply have a "non-MOT" 
            test".
 
 In our earlier NEWS items on MOT exemption we have suggested that 
            it's a wise course and if you discuss using the MOT exemption available 
            to the owner or keeper of an Historic vehicle with an experienced 
            MOT tester, they will often respond "if you saw some of the issues 
            we see you wouldn't stop having an MOT test!" Continuing to have 
            an annual MOT test or inspection is clearly a prudent thing to continue 
            doing.
 
 Posted: 240302
 | 
               
                |  
 See our information on MOT exemption
 
 MOT exemption explained. 
                    More
 
 Important clarification
 The MOT exemption arrangement is one of three entirely separate 
                    matters concerning Historic vehicles, which thankfully will 
                    stay separate as none of them affect each other. More
 
 VED exempt classics have been pulled 
                    up by police for having no MOT
 Classic car owners caught out in this way have included 
                    a Triumph owner who ended up being prosecuted by Suffolk Police 
                    for not having a valid MOT on his VHI-eligible 1973 2.4 PI 
                    estate. Our note sets out the precautions members should take 
                    with an MGV8 that is eligible for VED exemption. More
 
 Substantial Change, VHI declaration 
                    and MOT exemption flowchart
 See 
                    the flowchart
 
 Information Gateway on MOT testing
 More
 |  
 Responsibility for the roadworthiness of a vehicle
 All vehicle keepers, whether their vehicle has or could be exempted 
                  and whether or not it has an MOT certificate, are of course 
                  responsible for the roadworthiness of their vehicle, and commit 
                  an offence if it is driven on the road when it is not roadworthy. 
                  In addition, motor insurance policies will have conditions
 requiring the insured to maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy 
                  condition. Following an accident an insurer's claims assessor 
                  may see during an inspection evidence that the car has not been 
                  maintained adequately and that could be seen as a breach of 
                  the policy conditions and consequently have an impact on the 
                  claim and payout.
 
 Options for an MGV8 eligible for MOT 
                  exemption - see our chart below
 
 Where an eligible vehicle is not declared MOT exempt - you will 
                  need to have an MOT test
 
 Where an owner or keeper declares the car a VHI and MOT exempt 
                  - you can have a voluntary MOT test or inspection (a "non-MOT")
 
 Where an eligible vehicle is not declared a VHI - you must have 
                  an annual MOT test
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