Do classic cars need an MOT test?

Wednesday 19th March 2025

The legal requirements for MOT testing your classic car are often misunderstood. Legally, if your car is over 40 years old, it doesn’t need an MOT, but this only applies if you have declared it as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VHI). 

Why don’t classic cars need an MOT? 

In 2018, new rules were introduced which meant vehicles over 40 years old were exempt from MOT testing if they hadn’t been modified significantly, however, all cars must remain roadworthy. If your classic car is registered with the DVLA under historic status, it’s also tax-exempt. This means you must keep up with regular maintenance and service checks, or you risk fines and penalty points if your classic car isn’t in a legal condition.  

The purpose of an MOT is to ensure a vehicle is roadworthy, and if you have a classic car, it’s likely that it isn’t driven on a daily basis and that you’re more concerned with maintaining its appearance and authenticity, rather than its reliability and fuel efficiency. 

But even though you’re attentive to your car, you may not have the mechanical expertise to conserve the technical upkeep of it. This is especially important if you plan to keep your car on the road. That’s why regular servicing from experts, like Formula One Autocentres, is key to keeping your pride and joy in the best condition possible. 

When would a classic car need an MOT? 

Your vehicle would need an MOT certificate if the car has been substantially altered in the last 30 years. Major alterations include replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine. If you’re unsure about any changes made to your vehicle by previous owners, you will still need an MOT test to check if any major modifications have been made.

There are some exceptions to these requirements, for instance if you can no longer obtain original parts to preserve the vehicle, or if changes need to be made to improve safety and efficiency. 

If the car has been neglected for a while, problems such as corrosion, faulty brakes, degraded suspension or general structural decline can significantly impact the safety of the car when driven. Do you have a car tucked away with these issues? Get in touch with your local Formula One Autocentres branch to see how we can help. 

Other classic vehicle MOT rules

• Buses and public service transport over 40 years old still need an MOT. 
• If a vehicle has been assigned a ‘Q’ registration number, it may be considered to have had substantial alterations so will still need an MOT. 
• Commercial vehicles regardless of their age, including old-style wedding cars, with more than 8 seats, will still need an MOT.

Other vehicles exempt from MOT tests include:  

• large goods vehicles 
• agricultural vehicles 
• slow maximum speed vehicles of 15mph or less 
• trams 
• vehicles which are not yet 3 years old  
• A full list of vehicles which are exempt from MOT tests can be found via the V112 document from GOV.UK.  

Want to speak to a professional about your classic car? 

Drop by your local Formula One Autocentres garage to chat with expert technicians or speak to us through our contact form to help keep your classic car in peak condition.