Could we see historic vehicle MOT tests being reintroduced in the UK? The results of a recent DVSA consultation suggest we may.
In May last year, we ran a news piece about the consultation, along with a very detailed questionnaire. In fact, the 46-question survey was so thorough that the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) used its legal team to formulate a response which people could use as part of their submission.
The consultation period finished last July and the results have recently been published.
Read the full DVSA report
If you’re struggling to sleep, you can read the full consultation report here.
The current guidance for MOT exemption on vehicles over 40 years old
Currently exempt
Even though they’re exempt, many classic car, bike and scooter owners still MOT their vehicles for peace of mind and to satisfy the small print of some insurance policies. It’s also a good idea to have an MOT if you’re travelling abroad, it can save some hassle if you get pulled over.
You can read the full MOT exemption definitions here.
Summary of the consultation
The official overview of the consultation was much more than just a look at MOT rules though, it reads as follows…
In 2024, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Department for Transport (DfT) launched a call for evidence to gather views and evidence about the policies that govern the registration of rebuilt, kit-built, kit converted, radically altered, reconstructed classics and vehicles converted to electric.
In total just 1371 responses were sent to the DVSA, they included 1162 from individuals and 129 from those representing organisations. That’s a pretty poor effort from the owners of around 340,000 registered classic vehicles over 40 years old who could be impacted by the results.
Some of the highlights
We’re not going to bore you with every single question here but some of the highlights are listed below. What will be interesting though is what the DVSA do with the research. One thing is for sure, you can bet your bottom dollar that some changes will be implemented, some of them maybe as soon as later this year.
Question 3.4:
Should there be a new type of safety check in place which takes into account the age of a historic or classic vehicle?
This was an important question for many classic scooter owners who currently don’t have to MOT historic vehicles (over 40 years old). Only 36% thought that there was no need for a new type of test. Some of the main thoughts were as follows.
- 36% felt that there is no need for a new type of safety check
- 10% said yes to a basic check for roadworthiness
- 8% said yes to an MOT-style test which is appropriate to the age of the vehicle (for example, no emissions test)
- 5% thought an ad hoc inspection was needed when a vehicle is used on the road after a major restoration
Responses included…
“Yes, an age and status-related ‘sympathetic’ style MOT would be useful, particularly for classic cars that are driven fairly regularly.”
“There should be some form of safety check to ensure vehicle is safe.”
“A one-off safety check following major restoration or repair work would be appropriate. Individual Vehicle Approval is not suitable in this context.”
Question 3.5:
Should there be a distinction made between restoration, where an existing registered vehicle with an established history is being refurbished, potentially with some new parts, and vehicles constructed as a replica not based on a registered vehicle, but constructed from a collection of old parts? If so, please provide evidence and reasons to support your views.
This question could have implications for lots of scooter rebuilds, restorations and ‘bitsa’ builds of scooters from parts, as well as custom builds and choppers.
The majority of respondents felt a distinction is needed, whilst 32% said no distinction should be made. Some of the main themes of comments were…
- 18% yes a distinction should be made (limited suggestions made)
- 7% yes, replicas should be registered as new if not based on a previously registered vehicle, original chassis or frame
- 6% yes, replicas should be registered as new or not use old VIN numbers
- 6% yes, replicas to be subject to safety inspection, IVA or MOT
- 5% yes, replicas should be issued with a Q registration number
Comments included…
“Where do you draw the line? Is there any reason to change the current system?”
“A replica not based on a registered vehicle, constructed from old parts, should not qualify as a historic vehicle. However, as a significantly modified vehicle, it should be subject to IVA on first registration, much like a kit car.”
“Yes. There is already the Q reg system for vehicles made from parts.”
“Replica vehicles are a class of their own. Many of them are effectively brand new using newly manufactured parts. They are valuable in terms of historic remembrance, but they should not be considered either historic or classic because they are neither.”
Question 3.16
At what point should a chassis or monocoque bodyshell modification (or frame for motorcycles) affect the identity of a vehicle that has been rebuilt? Please provide evidence and reasons to support your views.
There were 850 responses to this question, which again, could have an impact on future custom builds.
- 39% when not rebuilt to original specification or appearance is changed, for example, shape, size colour
- 20% at no point
- 7% when chassis, bodyshell or frame is replaced rather than repaired
Comments included…
“It’s appearance if the vehicle looks the same no problem.”
“At no point, providing the vehicle is fundamentally the same or can be identified as such by an average person.”
“The identity should only be affected if a new body shell or frame is fitted.”
Question 3.19
What do you think should be the definition of a restored vehicle? Please provide evidence and reasons to support your views.
There were 826 responses to this question. 15% of them thought that no separate definition is needed, the main suggestions were:
- 25% restored to original standard or appearance
- 14% restored using as many original parts as possible
- 5% restored as original, with modern safety features
Comments included…
“A restored vehicle is one that has been taken apart and restored back to the original condition.”
“Restored using a combination of existing refurbished, new old stock and reproduction parts with appropriate modifications.”
“A vehicle rebuild to the concept of the original vehicle but including modern updates for reliability, safety or emissions.”
What does it mean for the future?
The fact that the DVSA has carried out this research in the first place means that changes are highly likely to be implemented. Whether that means mandatory MOT tests will be reintroduced for classic vehicles or not we’ll have to wait and see. The reason it was dropped in the first place was because classics don’t generally cover as many miles as modern vehicles and their owners are more likely to put love and care into maintenance and repairs.
Modifications and restorations
The more worrying aspects of the full report are the questions regarding modifications and restorations. Especially question 4.1 “What other countries do.” Thankfully, 92% of respondents thought that the UK should continue to maintain its own standards. Imagine us being forced into restrictive measures like Germany and Spain where every component change has to be approved…
We’ll keep an eye on this story. The DVSA are currently evaluating things “With a view to formulating proposals for future change.”
Iggy
If it’s going to make money for the government then they will introduce it. Simple fact of life
Unfortunately you’re probably right. ‘Let’s fix a problem that doesn’t exist’ ….
Just another creeping example of anti-freedom, restrictive, Net-Zero control freakery from a succession of governments but this authoritarian one in particular. The hidden agenda is to eventually end the ownership of petrol vehicles, especially “dangerous” two wheelers, as the government “knows what’s best for our safety and wellbeing” yet turn a blind eye to accidents and fatalities caused by unregulated “green” electric scooters and mopeds posing as bicycles.
They are tinkering with motorcycle licensing yet again! Why? To what end? To price would be motorcyclists off the road? The government always have to go poking around in our lives and every few years when another batch of stuffed shirts take power, they find a new solution to a problem that doesn’t need fixing.
we”ll find a way around it …Nil Desperandum!