As a classic car owner you will no doubt be aware that if it was built more than 40 years ago it does not need to have an MOT carried out unless it has been modified in a significant way. However, this rule may possibly be going to change in the not too distant future.

Apparently, a consultation by the Department of Transport (DFT) was carried out and 41% of the 1,083 respondents revealed that some kind of safety check on classic cars should be undertaken based upon the age of the vehicle that was either similar to a normal MOT or just the same as a normal MOT.

The view has always been by some that as classic cars are perceived to, shall we say, receive more tender loving care than a normal everyday runaround family saloon car and tend to be driven a lot less miles than such a vehicle that they are probably going to be safe on the public road system here in the UK.

However it was interesting to read that 36% of respondents were of the opinion that no amendment to the current MOT rules was required. This may or may not surprise some classic car owners.

Of the 41% of respondents who supported a change, there were 10% who felt that checks of a basic kind were required in respect of the roadworthiness of the car and 18% were of the opinion that checks that matched an MOT test should be undertaken.

There were 8% of respondents who felt that a test that was based upon a vehicle’s age should be undertaken.

No doubt classic car owners will be watching with interest in the coming months for any announcement by the government as to whether any changes are going to be made in relation to MOTs being required on classic and vintage cars. As the statistics above reveal, many respondents have different opinions on what should be done in the future. Apparently, there are some owners of classic cars who, although they are not legally required to do so, do take their classic cars for an MOT presumably to give them some kind of peace of mind that their classic car is roadworthy.

Whilst an MOT is not a legal requirement for all classic cars, do remember that, unless a classic car has been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and is kept off the public road system, it is a legal requirement to have it insured. In that respect, why not contact us to get a competitive quotation without any obligation for classic car insurance as we provide access to a reputable panel of specialist insurers.