Classic car MOT
If you own a classic car, do you have to pay for an MOT to keep it on the road? What about if you’ve made modifications? Here’s everything you need to know about MOTs and older vehicles.
If you own a classic car, do you have to pay for an MOT to keep it on the road? What about if you’ve made modifications? Here’s everything you need to know about MOTs and older vehicles.
60-second summaryHere’s a quick lowdown on classic cars and their MOT requirements:
|
Does my classic car need an MOT?
Although there’s no strict definition of a historic car, many people consider 40 to be the age when a car becomes a classic.
Any car that’s more than 40 years old doesn’t need an MOT – so long as it hasn’t been substantially changed for at least 30 years.
Substantial changes would include things like replacing the chassis or engine to change the way the vehicle works.
Why are classic cars exempt from MOTs?
Classic cars are exempt from annual MOT tests because they’re generally well looked after by dedicated enthusiasts and not driven very often.
Because the number of classic cars on UK roads is relatively low, they’re not considered to be much of a risk to overall road safety.
That said, a classic car must still be roadworthy. You’re responsible for making sure your car is always safe to drive, even if it doesn’t need an MOT.
Do modified classic cars need to have an MOT?
Classic cars will need an MOT if they’ve undergone “substantial changes” in the past 30 years.
Major alternations include:
- Altering the suspension or steering
- Replacing the engine, or changing the number of cylinders
- Adding a kit of new parts to the vehicle.
Some modifications, including those made to preserve a car, or changes to a previously commercial vehicle, are considered okay. Replacing axles and running gear to improve safety, efficiency or environmental performance is acceptable, for example.
If you’re not sure if your car qualifies for an MOT exemption, you can check the government’s guidance or ask your local classic car owners’ club.
Do I need to apply for a classic car MOT exemption?
You don’t need to go through an application process or fill in any forms to exempt your car from its MOT.
Is it dangerous to make classic cars MOT exempt?
MOTs are there to make sure cars are roadworthy, so it follows that making certain cars exempt will lead to having risky cars on the road. However, drivers are still responsible for making sure their cars are roadworthy.
If you don’t maintain the lights, tyres and other vital parts of your car, you could face a fine of up to £2,500. For driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition, you could also receive three penalty points on your licence or even be banned from driving.
How do I keep my classic car roadworthy?
You should have your car regularly serviced. This will help identify any issues before they become a safety risk. It will also mean that you’re less likely to break down.
Things you can do yourself to keep your car in a roadworthy condition include regularly checking:
- Fluid levels (engine oil, brake fluid etc)
- Tyre tread
- Brakes
- Lights and bulbs
- Windscreens and windscreen wipers.
Even if your car is exempt, you might want to book it in for an MOT anyway, for your own peace of mind.
Compare garages near you and see if you could save on the cost of MOTs, services and repairs with no upfront payments.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check how old my car is?
If you don’t have the information in your V5C log book, the DVLA should be able to tell you how old your car is.
Simply press ‘Start now’ and type in your registration number. The results should give you the year of manufacture, as well as various other information about your vehicle.
Do classic vans or motorcycles need an MOT?
Classic vans and motorcycles are also MOT-exempt, so they also won’t need one if they’re over 40 years old.
Do I have to pay road tax on classic cars?
Cars over 40 years old also qualify for a road tax exemption. You can apply for this at the Post Office.
Can I insure my classic car?
Most mainstream insurance providers will insure cars built from the 1970s onwards – and at Compare the Market you can compare prices for cars made after 1970.
If your car is older than that, you may need to look into specialist classic car insurance.
Find the cheapest MOTs, car services and repairs
Compare garages near you and see if you could save on the cost of MOTs, services and repairs with no upfront payments.
Compare garages
Julie Daniels - Motor insurance expert
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News and Capital FM, about car and home insurance, as well as our rewards scheme.