In the UK, the Ministry of Transport (or simply ‘MOT’) test is a mandatory annual inspection that ensures a vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards.
It’s a rigorous test that applies to all vehicles over three years old, however, you don’t need to get an MOT if the vehicle was first registered more than 40 years ago and no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle during the last 30 years. This includes vehicles previously exempted on the basis of being first registered before 1960. (NB* Different rules apply to large vehicles.)
For a classic vehicle owner who might only drive their pride and joy for a limited number of miles in a year, an MOT exemption might seem like a bit of a let off from the chore, stress and expense of having an annual inspection. However, the fact remains that whether or not your vehicle is exempt, it absolutely must be roadworthy and you may wish to voluntarily undertake an MOT test anyway to make sure your vehicle is in acceptable condition.
In addition, should you ever want to sell your vehicle, it could be easier to sell with a valid MOT, because it will provide a prospective buyer with the peace of mind that it is roadworthy and that you, as a seller, care enough to make sure it has been professionally checked.
So, let’s take a look at some of the detail from https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles:
Acceptable changes: It does not count as a ‘substantial change’ if:
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Changes are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are no longer reasonably available
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They are changes of a type which can be demonstrated to have been made when vehicles of the type were in production or within 10 years of the end of production
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Axles and running gear have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance
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Changes were made to vehicles that were previously used as commercial vehicles, and you can prove the changes were made when the vehicle was used commercially
What are the ‘substantial change’ criteria for main vehicle components?
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Chassis Chassis replacements of the same pattern as the original are not considered to be a substantial change
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Monocoque bodyshell Replacements of the same pattern as the original are not considered to be a substantial change (including any sub-frames).
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Axles and running gear Alteration of the type or method of suspension or steering is a ‘substantial change’.
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Engine Alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine and alternative original equipment engines are not considered to be a substantial change. If the number of cylinders in an engine is different from the original it’s likely to be, but not necessarily, the case that the current engine is not alternative original equipment.
Other ‘substantial change’ criteria (all vehicles).
A vehicle is considered to have been ‘substantially changed’ if it:
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Is a kit car assembled from components from different makes and model of vehicle
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Has been given a ‘Q’ registration number
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Is a reconstructed classic vehicle as defined by DVLA guidance
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Is a kit conversion, where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle, or old parts are added to a kit of a manufactured body, chassis or monocoque bodyshell, which changes the general appearance of the vehicle
However, if a vehicle meeting one or more of these criteria is taxed as an ‘historic vehicle’, and it has not been modified during the previous 30 years, it is exempt from needing an MOT.
If in doubt, https://www.gov.uk is an excellent source of up-to-date information for historic vehicle owners and drivers.
All details are correct at time of publication.