More classic car owners are getting an MOT Data obtained from the DVSA by the Classic Car Weekly newspaper "show that 58,719 cars old enough to qualify for exemption from annual MOT inspections did have a test in 2024. This was an increase of nearly 11,000 tests compared with 2024 when 44,720 classics were tested and the first time since 2019 that the number of voluntary tests has increased. However it's still a contrast to the 221,890 cars more than 40 years old tested in 2017 - the last full year when annual tests were required on tax-exempt post-1960 classics." The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) felt it wasn't clear whether it was an indication of a wider appetite for voluntary MOTs but did encourage owners to check out an interactive map and directory of historic-friendly MOT stations it maintains on its website. Link Posted: 260919 Benefit of an annual MOT test for a classic car The UK Government decided that classic cars registered with the DVLA as Historic (road tax class) are exempt from MOT testing for all vehicles constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago, on a rolling basis. However many classic car owners will wish to continue to have their car tested annually as a safety check but also to ensure they have evidence they have taken steps to ensure their car is adequately maintained. The proper maintenance of the car will be an express condition of their motor insurance policies. A voluntary annual MOT test report will highlight any necessary maintenance requirements and provide a document a policyholder can provide should an insurer challenge the adequacy of the maintenance of the car should there be a claim. Road tax and MOT exemptions explained. Link See also an item in V8 Column in the March 2025 issue of Safety Fast! Link See our article on the benefit of an annual MOT test for a classic car, what checks are included in an MOT test & our checklist for preparing an MGV8 for an MOT test. Link The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) maintains an interactive map and directory of historic-friendly MOT stations it on its website. Federation members have contributed information on their experience with MOT test stations that they feel understand the special requirements of historic vehicles. The majority also carry out servicing, repairs (and in some cases restoration) of classic vehicles. Link See our list of MOT testers who our members have used and recommend. Link Articles on MOT testing for MGV8s See our Information Gateway webpage for links to further information. Link "If you saw some of the things we see you wouldn't miss an MOT test on your classic car" Comment by the tester who carries out an annual test on Victor Smith's MGBGTV8 See the CCW cover story on page 3 of the latest issue (Wednesday 16th September 2026).