Do classic cars need MOT?

Asked by: Gideon Ortiz  |  Last update: September 2, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (37 votes)

You do not need to get an MOT if: the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago. no 'substantial changes' have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works.

Do old cars need MOT UK?

In May 2018, the rules were changed and now any vehicle that is older than 40 years no longer needs to be MOT tested. This 40-year rule is a rolling date. For example, if a car was built in 1981, it will not require an MOT check from 2021 onwards.

What are classic cars exempt from?

Tax exemption for classic cars is now rolling. This means that from 1 April each year, vehicles manufactured more than 40 years before 1 January of that year are automatically exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), otherwise known as road tax.

How do I make my classic car MOT exempt?

To get exemption from the MoT you'll need to register as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI) When taxing your car, you'll need to declare that it is exempt from the MoT process, and confirm that it has not been substantially changed in the past 30 years.

Are all 40 year old cars tax exempt?

My car is over 40 years old, is it automatically tax-free? Yes, but it's not an automatic exemption. If your classic vehicle has reached the age where it becomes exempt from tax, then you must complete some paperwork before you can drive on the road without paying VED (Vehicle Excise Duty).

New MOT test conditions for 40 year old cars. 15/5/18

45 related questions found

What age of car is MOT exempt?

Vehicles that do not need an MOT

You do not need to get an MOT if: the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago. no 'substantial changes' have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works.

Why do cars over 40 years old not need an MOT?

The Department for Transport believes that the test is no longer relevant to cars that were built over 40 years ago. The logic behind this decision is that, according to the DFT, is that cars which were registered more than 40 years ago usually maintain in good conditions as they are rarely used.

How old does a classic car have to be to be MOT exempt?

Eligibility. 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. Different rules apply to large vehicles.

Do you pay road tax on cars over 25 years old?

As well as generally looking fantastic, classic cars that are more than 40 years old are actually exempt from vehicle tax altogether. The exemption originally applied to any vehicle over 25 years old on the basis that they would be incapable of racking up much mileage.

What age is a classic car UK?

The age of classic cars can vary considerably, and there are several definitions regarding how old a car must be before it becomes a classic. HMRC defines classics as being over 15 years old with a list price of at least £15,000, but to be tax exempt, the classic must be at least 40 years old.

Is my car a classic?

In short, any car that's aged 40 years or older is considered to be a classic car, or in official terms, a 'historic vehicle'.

Do I need to apply for MOT exemption?

A list of exempt types of vehicles is on the MOT exemption form (V112). You need to fill in the form if your vehicle is listed so that you can either tax it or apply for tax exemption.

Are police cars exempt from MOT?

Fact Check-Police vehicles in Britain are exempt from MOT tests under specific legislation. A Facebook user has correctly identified a police car with an expired MOT certificate; however, his suggestion of wrongdoing is misguided. Police vehicles are exempt.

How do I register a historic car in the UK?

To declare your car or motorcycle as a Vehicle of Historic Interest, MOT exempt and tax exempt, you need to apply at a Post Office with:
  1. the log book (V5C in your name)
  2. a valid MOT certificate or a completed V112 MOT exemption form.
  3. your vehicle tax reminder letter if you have it.

Is a 30 year old car tax exempt?

Government responded

There are no current plans to reduce the tax exemption age for classic cars from 40 to 30 years. The Government has set 40 years as being a fair cut-off date to distinguish classic cars from old cars.

Do classic cars pay ULEZ?

All vehicles that have a historic vehicle tax class will be exempt from the ULEZ. This tax class excludes any vehicle used commercially (for example, coffee vans or street food vans).

How do I change my tax class to historic?

How to apply for the Historic Vehicle tax class
  1. The V5C Registration Certificate. In the change section, put the tax class as Historic Vehicle, and sign and date the V5C. ...
  2. A V10 Application for a Tax Disc. On the form indicate a tax class of Historic Vehicle. ...
  3. Valid MoT Certificate.

Can you park a car on the road with no MOT?

If your car has no MOT pass certificate, it should not be parked on the public highway and you should look to book it in for its MOT immediately. Whilst it's parked on the public highway without an MOT it could be reported, resulting in you being fined and your car seized.

Do ambulances need MOT?

Ambulances, private passenger vehicles with nine or more seats, taxis, and playbuses must have their first MOT one year after registration and every year afterwards. A MOT is valid for one year. Many drivers prefer to keep the same renewal date every year.

Do electric cars have an MOT?

Well in short, the answer is, yes! Electric vehicles still have to pass an MOT test after three years just like any other vehicle on the road but unlike their diesel and petrol counterparts, EVs do not require an emissions test.

Is Rolling MOT exempt?

The 40-year MOT exemption is a rolling law – it applies at the time your car reaches 40, whenever that happens. For example, if your car was first registered on 31 December 1979, it will officially become MOT exempt on 1 January 2020.

Can I declare my car MOT exempt online?

From May 20, when you tax your classic – either online with the V5 or reminder letter, or at the Post Office – you can declare the vehicle as MoT exempt once it is beyond the 40th anniversary date of first registration.

What happens if an MOT exempt car fails an MOT?

Can I still get an MoT on an exempt vehicle? Yes. But remember if it fails it will no longer be considered roadworthy until you fix it.

Is a 20 year old car a classic?

For insurance and registration purposes, the age of a classic car, in most cases, is at least 20 years old but not more than 40 years old. If you are going to register it (and insure it) as a classic, it should have been kept to its original design and specifications.

Is a 20 year old car too old?

We wouldn't go too far beyond the mid- to late-1990s for any car, as parts can be harder to find once a car crests 20 years of age. For higher mileage vehicles with more than 150,000 miles on the odometer, we might recommend trying to find a newer model year than the late 1990s.