New MOT exemption rules..do I need to do anything?

schoolrunmum

Hi, I have a 1963 American Chevy pick up. The MOT expired early may- question is, do I need to do anything or can I just drive it as it is old enough to be MOT exempt? It is taxed and insured, but DVLA MOT database says "no results returned"...

tedted

you'll need to register it as a Vehicle of Historic Interest

Noree

It!!!8217;s not mandatory, but needs to be roadworthy nonetheless. You can opt for an MOT though.

From the MOT inspection manual introduction:

Some vehicles of historical interest may be exempt from statutory MOT testing. Such vehicles must be over 40 years old and not substantially changed.

Owners of these vehicles may still request a statutory test be conducted. In these circumstances, you must register the test on the MOT testing service and carry it out in the usual way and issue the appropriate documentation.

maninthestreet

http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/members-pages/newsletter-archive/_file/277/fbhvcnews0218-pdf/

alastairq

The changes came into force on May 20th. [Hope the vehicle wasn't spotted between the MoT expiring,and the changeover date?]

When it comes time to 'tax' the vehicle [which must be done annually...even though the 'tax' is zero-rated].....there will be an extra box to tick, which is registered keeper making a legal declaration , that their vehicle is a 'vehicle of historic interest' [VHI]. This has nothing to do with the taxation class, but is an additional category of vehicles which are exempt from an annual MoT.

To make that Declaration, the vehicle concerned must meet the requirements regarding any modifications.
These are listed on the dot.Gov website.
If the vehicle does not meet these criteria, then it must undergo an MoT every year. [Even if taxed as a historic vehicle, at zero rate]

The biggest group affected by these changes to MoT status, will be those who already have pre-1960 vehicles.
These have already enjoyed MoT-free status for a few years now. Thus far, when taxing annually, that status has been acknowledged on the online form.
From May 20th, these lucky folk will also have to make a VHI declaration, [by ticking the box, or, completing the appropriate form if doing the deed at a Post Office.]

ris2015

Your vehicle was built over 40 years ago, thus to qualify for MOT exemption you need:

to ensure that your tax class is "historic" ( which is confirmed by you paying £0 for you tax)

then providing that "no substantial changes" have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years you

declare the vehicle to be of historic interest the next time you tax it.

NBLondon

ris2015 wrote: »

then providing that "no substantial changes" have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years you.

That's interesting... So a vehicle which is still as it was built is assumed exempt but a modified one isn't - and there are going to be some cases where the restoration of a 60s or 70s vehicle will involve substantial changes like replacing engine/gearbox etc with a later version. I guess it makes sense to catch modifications that would possibly infringe MoT standards at 39 years old.