'New' DVLA approach is a pragmatic change

Early in 2024 the DVLA and DfT launched a call to gather views and evidence from members of the public about the policies and processing of registering rebuilt, radically altered and reconstructed classic vehicles. That also included vehicle conversions to electric power.

As the current policies have been in place for many years, DVLA wanted to seek expert knowledge about whether these policies need updating, in particular to reflect evolving technologies that support the restoration and rebuilding of classic & historic vehicles and vehicles that are being converted to electric. The call for evidence also asked for any suggestions based on knowledge and expertise in this area that may assist in improving the registration process for these vehicles.

See the DVLA Response Summary Report. Link

See our earlier NEWS item posted in December 2024 with a report on the response to DVLA consultation. Report

Posted: 250121


For MGV8 enthusiasts two areas of particular interest in the DVLA survey report are:
> whether an annual safety check should be required for classic & historic vehicles as an "MOT-light" test or as a "roadworthiness check".

> definition of a "rebuilt vehicles" as some classic and historic vehicle restorations are seen involving considerable rebuilding and restoration work with bodywork, mechanical and trim modifications - sometimes referred to as "resto mods".

The update alongside mentions we have heard that "there will be no changes to the 40 year Historic vehicle MOT exemption or a replacement with an "MOT light' test".

Welcome news - no changes to the 40 year Historic vehicle MOT test exemption or a replacement with an "MOT light"
From an update on discussions between the FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs) and DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency) we have heard that as there is no capacity for parliamentary time to amend the MOT legislation, therefore there will be no changes to the 40 year Historic vehicle MOT exemption or a replacement with an "MOT light' test. Any forthcoming changes to Historic vehicle registration will be at the policy and rule level.

The DVLA 'new' approach will be a welcome change and pragmatic. The feeling is that following the responses from the classic car community to the DVLA consultation ("Call for Evidence") in 2024, they have listened to the views of representative groups and individual enthusiasts and it will be a positive change for the better. The feeling is the scale of change will largely please classic car enthusiasts, as simplifying the rules for reconstructed classic cars will be a welcome step, but will probably not go far enough for the resto-mod and restoration companies.