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.
Posted: 250115 |

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.
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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.
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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
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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".
Posted: 241228
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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
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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
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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 |
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