If you own a classic car, you may be curious about the requirements for getting the car service, MOT tests, and taxes. The criteria are not as simple as they are for a modern vehicle, and numerous elements can determine whether your vehicle is exempt or not.
Read on to know when a Book Cheap MOT Stockport inspection is still necessary for a classic automobile, and also when it isn't.
When Does A Historic Car No Longer Require An Mot?
Originally, the Department of Transportation's regulations specified that any car built before 1960 did not require an MOT check.
The laws were revised in May 2018, and any car older than 40 years doesn't require an MOT test. This 40-year norm is subject to change. For instance, from 2021 forward, an automobile constructed in 1981 will not undergo an MOT check. This rule, however, has several exceptions, which we've noted below.
A classic car that is over 40 years old is not MOT-exempt unless it has the destination as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI). You can do this by taking out a V112 form at your local Post Office.
Bring your car's logbook (V5C) and a valid MOT certificate from the previous test with you.
This also exempts your vehicle from Vehicle Excise Duty or road tax, which means you won't have to pay it. Although no tax payment is necessary, you must still register your car for the tax to operate it on public highways.
You must report that your car is MOT exempt when applying for your Vehicle Excise Duty with the DVLA. They could ask for verification that your vehicle is a VHI.
Why Are Classic Cars Exempt From Having To Pass An Mot?
The most common argument stated is that classic car owners are hobbyists who like taking care of their vehicles technically. A classic car must still be roadworthy, so you can't just ignore it and drive lawfully.
It is still illegal to drive with hazardous tyres, faulty lights, or anything else that would normally fail an MOT. The idea is that antique automobile owners will be more aware of maintenance issues than if they were under any formal test.
Of course, this is a broad generalization, but the goal of the MOT test is to protect the safety of everyone on the road; consequently, the comparatively small number of historic automobiles on the road is deemed to have a lesser impact on overall safety.
When Is An Mot Necessary For A Classic Car?
Even if your car is beyond 40 years old, it may still need an MOT check in certain conditions. If you haven't declared it as a VHI, for example, it will require an MOT till it is.
If there are any significant alterations in your vehicle in the last 30 years, an MOT test is necessary. There are a few exceptions to this rule, which we'll go over in more detail below. Chassis or sub-frame replacements, as well as changes to the kind or manner of suspension or steering, are all significant changes. You might be unsure if your vehicle has been under any kind of modifications in this way. They could have been made by a previous owner, for example. You will still need to have the car MOT till you can establish that it hasn't been under any modifications in this scenario. An MOT check is essential if your car does not have its original engine.
Non-substantial adjustments, on the other hand, are permissible only if they were on the list for a legitimate purpose. The changes are acceptable only if they meet the below conditions:
- To maintain a vehicle for which no major components were readily available.
- This rule was in light during the vehicle's manufacturing or widespread use
- They were on the list to enhance efficiency or security (applies to axles and running gear only)
Even if they're older than 40 years, buses and other kinds of public transport services will require an MOT exam. Commercial cars with more than 8 seats will have to go under testing as well. This could include vintage automobiles that are in use at ceremonies.
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Cars with a 'Q' prefix on the number plate, a kit automobiles made out of many makes and models, and reconstructed historic vehicles are all examples of automobiles that still need an MOT. There are, although, exceptional cases. For instance, if you own a kit car that hasn't been modified in over thirty years and has been taxable as a VHI, you won't need to get it tested.
This doesn't mean you can't get your classic car MOT test just because it's over 40 years old. Although it is not important, you can still take your automobile for a test if you want to ensure that it is in good operating order and is safe to drive.
Do you want to get the best MOT testing for your car? Visit us at Millennium Vehicle Services for the best MOT.