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