MOT Scrapped for Cars over 40 Years Old

Prior to the Department of Transport’s decision, the MOT test exemption had applied only to those vehicles that had been built prior to the year 1960 and may have a significant effect on the motor trade.

The new 40 year cut-off will be implemented on a rolling basis and will mean that just under 300,000 cars will now be exempt from the MOT – up from 197,000.

Reasons for the Decision
For those wondering why older cars are exempt from the MOT, the Department of Transport has explained that the owners of these vehicles tend to be enthusiasts who keep them in extremely good condition.

Furthermore, the modern MOT test is naturally designed with modern vehicles in mind and it is often simply not relevant to classic cars, meaning that it doesn’t serve to effectively establish the safety and performance level of a vehicle.

A proposal had been made to create a simpler MOT-equivalent test especially for classic cars, but this proposal was rejected and the Department of Transport pressed on with the original measure.

Effects of the Move
As a result of the new law, Porches such as 3-litre 911 Turbos, the first 1976 924s and the original spec 911 SCs have now become exempt from the MOT. Supercars such as the first Aston Martin Vantage and the Series 1 Lotus Esprit are also added to the list.

More affordable cars to now be MOT-exempt include the Ford Escort RS2000 mk2, the Alfasud Sprint and the left-hand drive version of the mk1 VW Golf GTI.
So whilst some are unhappy that considerably more MOT-exempt cars will be on the road, it’s good news for classic car enthusiasts!