Owners of classic cars are expressing a desire for MOT (Ministry of Transport) tests for older vehicles, even though these cars are currently exempt from annual roadworthiness checks. Data from a poll of 1,200 classic car owners reveals that nearly two-thirds (64%) would willingly pay for an MOT to confirm their vehicle's safety.
Under existing regulations, vehicles reach 'historic vehicle' status 40 years after their registration date. This status grants several financial advantages, including exemption from Clean Air Zone charges and Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) from the following year. Crucially, it also exempts them from MOT testing, meaning they are not legally required to prove their roadworthiness.
This exemption stems from the belief that historic vehicles are typically cherished assets maintained to a high standard by their owners due to their financial and sentimental value. However, with models like the Citroen AX, Jaguar XJ40, and Rover 800 now qualifying for this status, not all older cars are high-value collector's items. Many surviving examples of these 'modern classics' are relatively inexpensive, and without a mandatory inspection, there is a potential for thousands of these vehicles to have serious defects.
Recent data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) indicates that approximately one in five classic vehicles would fail an MOT. Between January 2019 and June 2021, the DVSA conducted voluntary MOT tests on over 121,000 vehicles older than 40 years, revealing an average failure rate of 18.4%.
Respondents in a survey conducted by insurer Hagerty UK indicated support for an annual inspection, though many suggested that tests for vehicles over 40 years old should differ from those applied to modern cars. "A more sympathetic approach to older car testing would help keep unroadworthy cars off the road," noted one participant who owns a modern classic Citroen.
Despite the exemption, 43% of surveyed owners reported still putting their cars through an annual MOT. Furthermore, 43% of respondents stated they would be willing to pay more for a classic car with a valid MOT certificate, and 47% believe mandatory inspections would contribute to the preservation of historic vehicles for future generations.
This sentiment is echoed by industry bodies. Dale Keller, chief executive of the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA), stated, "We support regular safety and roadworthiness checks for historic vehicles that are exempt from the statutory MOT, particularly when a vehicle is being returned to the road after a period of storage, following restoration, or after significant mechanical work." The HCVA suggests a strong case exists for developing an optional, industry-led roadworthiness inspection specifically for MOT-exempt historic vehicles.
Separately, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has called for an increase in the maximum MOT test fee, citing rising operating costs. The IGA has proposed doubling the price cap from £54.85 to £95, arguing that the current fee has become unsustainable for businesses. The association is scheduled to meet with the Department for Transport in October to discuss a potential increase to the MOT fee cap. The current price cap has been in place since 2010. Adjusted for inflation, the equivalent fee would be approximately £87.31.