Check on how many MGBGTV8s have had an MOT test

Wondering how many of the MGBGTV8s, which V8 members have registered with the V8 Database over the last 50 years, has a current MOT, Victor Smith carried out a genuine random search of 55 records on the database to make a check. The results were interesting.

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Random search results showed 7% had a current MOT recorded in the last 12 months, 53% had an MOT test more than 24 months ago and 40% had a VRN (Vehicle Registration Number or plate) that is no longer recorded by DVLA suggesting the car had been sold to an overseas buyer or more likely scrapped. When people who have registered an MGV8 sell their car (or have it scrapped) they very rarely notify the V8 Registrar so our database can be updated, so the 40% in our search results is an indication of the scale of that issue.


Review of the current and recent MOTs data alongside using the GOV.UK "Check MOT history" website showed 12% had a current MOT and 88% had an MOT test carried out more than 24 months ago. At 12% that is only just over 1 in 8 MGBGTV8s checked by our random search has a current MOT. It seems 88% have chosen not to have an annual MOT test - considerably greater than the 36% of respondents to the DVLA's consultation that saw no need for a change in the current MOT exemption rules.
  Feedback from a V8 members with his views on the MOT testing of vehicles currently exempt (posted on the V8BB thread)
I agree that it is desirable for Historic cars to have an annual MOT for the reasons that have given although I am not convinced that just getting your car serviced by a specialist will necessarily be sufficient evidence that you meet the insurance requirement to maintain it in a roadworthy condition. Personally I always combine an MOT with a service at Brown & Gammons. It's also more convenient to do it that way as many minor fails are picked up and fixed immediately.

There is another aspect to this and that is the resale value of your car. I am sure that a continuous full service and MOT history will enhance its value. Conversely, would a potential buyer be so keen on buying a 50 year old vehicle with no MOT?

On the low number, 7% in your sample, of MGBGTV8s with current MOTs, I wonder if this is related to annual mileage or if the cars are used as daily drivers? Perhaps owners of classic cars who only drive them in the summer season have a different attitude to these things?

My view is that I would support annual MOTs being made compulsory for Historic cars but perhaps with the exception of very ancient vehicles where it would be difficult to establish safety standards that could be tested. Duglad MacNeill V8BB thread
Classic cars could soon require MOTs

Feature articles in today's issue of both The Times and the Daily Telegraph highlight the results of a DfT public consultation on MOT tests for classic cars over 40 years old. Times & Telegraph

The article in The Times notes "a Government spokesman said any plans for new safety tests for classic cars would be announced" adding "all car owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicle meets the road safety and environmental standards".

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Over 41% respondents to a DfT (Department of Transport) public consultation said they supported either a full MOT or similar safety tests appropriate for the age of the classic or historic car. Only 36% of respondents saw no need for a change in the current exemption rules.

At present cars more than 40 years old are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and MOT testing provided they have not been "substantially modified".

Opinions remain split on this topic with some enthusiasts feeling the annual inspection by an experienced MOT inspector is a worthwhile safety check at a modest cost, whereas others feel owners are capable of maintaining their vehicles in a roadworthy condition. There is general support for inspections following a major repair, restoration or rebuild of a vehicle and support for an optional roadworthiness test for vehicles being returned to the road after an extended laying-up period.

Fellow MGV8 members' views on the MOT testing of vehicles currently exempt will be welcome on a V8BB thread launched today. Link
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.


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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