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Historic car MOT test
This week sees the 65th anniversary of the introduction of the MOT test in the UK.

See our list of MOT testers recommended by fellow members. Further reports from members of MOT testers that provide a good service testing Historic cars will be very welcome. Link

When visiting J & P Motors in Hampton, southwest of Outer London, the experienced tester there (who owns an MGB Roadster) commented on MOT exemption for Historic vehcles saying "if you saw some of the things we see here during MOT tests you wouldn't stop having an annual test!"

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This week sees the 65th anniversary of the introduction of the MOT test in the UK Although the introduction of the MOT test in 1961 was not popular, the first round of testing showed nearly 40% of the 1.5m cars aged ten years or more had not qualified for for a certificate based on the initial inspection of the vehicle. That's 600,000 cars failing the initial test! In 1966 the Government announced the MOT test would apply to three year old vehicles from April 1967. Then reports at the time mentioned a total of 20.25m vehicles had been tested with some 5m failures - or a worrying 24.7% failure rate!

Relevance of an MOT test for classic cars today
Moving on to 2025 and the question of the wisdom of MOT exemption for classic cars, in an article in this week's issue of Classic Car Weekly, Ralph Hosier, an automotive engineer, says "the MOT test is vital for the survival of the classic car scene as a basic safety test protects the occupants and other road users. All it takes is for a few high profile accidents involving untested older cars and there will be a demand to ban vehicles over a certain age from the road". He adds "I don't agree that a well looked-after car doesn't need a checkup". He then mentions he values a second set of eyes looking at his car and he still takes an MOT exempt car to his local MOT test station. He adds it's a small amount of money for an annual test and that can reveal unexpected issues which he feels is hugely valuable.

But he does feel the MOT test faces some problems and a poor understanding of older vehicles can lead to incorrect fails and passes. He feels applying a good thorough check of basic safety issues is definitely required for a classic car as the complex modern MOT checklist is less suitable.