Owners of classic cars should take note, as a new update by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) set for 2025 will impact them significantly. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reports there are about 340,000 cars over 40 years old still under the care of their registered keepers.
These vehicles have largely been exempt from the annual MOT road safety checks due to a law that relieves cars aged over 40 from the requirement. The assumption has been their careful maintenance and infrequent use render the inspections unnecessary.
However, a recent consultation led by the Department of Transport is challenging this notion, asking if these vintage vehicles ought to face annual checks. The response was notably in favour, with two-fifths of participants supporting the idea of tests for older cars.
The survey on this issue garnered 1,083 responses, indicating many believe “a new type of check is needed” for such vehicles. As to the nature of these checks, 18% respondents felt they should mirror the comprehensive MOT test.
A participant commented, “Yes an age and status-related ‘sympathetic’ style MOT would be useful, particularly for classic cars that are driven fairly regularly.”, reports the Mirror.
An additional 10% advocated for a more relaxed inspection, suggesting a basic review of these cars’ roadworthiness.
A smaller group, 8%, believe that older vehicles should still undergo a full MOT if it’s suitable for the car’s age. Yet, even among this group, there’s consensus that classic cars shouldn’t have to pass an emissions test.
One motorist who took part in the survey commented, “A one-off safety check following major restoration or repair work would be appropriate. Individual Vehicle Approval is not suitable in this context.”
Only a mere 5% were in favour of introducing an “ad-hoc inspection when vehicle is used on the road or following major restoration”, making it the least favoured option.
The majority, at 36%, see no need for new MOT safety inspections for classic vehicles at all.
This debate over classic car inspections isn’t new. The Federation of British Historical Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has previously argued for safety checks on older cars, especially those that have been significantly restored or repaired, suggesting they should be inspected by mechanics before hitting the road again.