MOT exemption

[Paul Dawson]

I received an email today re. the proposals to exempt older vehicles from MOT testing.

The report is https://www.gov.uk/government/consultat ... c-interest

I'm sure many on here will receive it but just in case you didn't take part in the consultation hopefully the above will provide access to the proposals. Not sure where they stand in terms of becoming legislation.

[Fred Dukes]

Nice one Paul -stripping to the bear bones it would seem:-
The Government has decided to proceed with the exemption for all vehicles constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago, on a rolling basis, as proposed in the consultation document.

Substantial Change
. We have produced a modified definition of ‘Substantial Change’ based on DVLA’s rule and propose to include it in guidance which will be finalised before the regulations come into force. A copy of this in draft is annexed to the response (CANT FIND IT!)
It is recognised that guidance may need to vary slightly in the case of motorcycles as some of the common features for cars are not present on bikes. Accordingly a slightly different definition of “substantial change” will be used for motorcycles. This will also be published.
We have decided that we will consider only modifications made since 1988 when determining whether a vehicle has been substantially altered and thus not exempt from testing

We will introduce secondary legislation to enact these changes as soon as possible.[b] The changes will come into effect from 20 May 2018. We will discuss with stakeholders the precise formulation of the guidance on substantial change and this will be published once the legislative phase is completed. [/b]

[1972nail]

Here's the bit you missed Fred

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... idance.pdf

Looks like anyone who modifies a Historic vehicle will not be exempt in all cases.

[Fred Dukes]

That leaves things a bit open ended. Can I assume that if its on the original reg it is ok - it looks more like it is up to the owner to decide from AA guidelines Shouldn't expect clear way forward from government guidlines

[1972nail]

I think you're right Fred, the owner decides..... When was the Barron fitted with the V8?.....1987?.....

[edgoose1]

How will this affect a car on Sorn. for example its off the road now but i want to put it on the road tomorrow ?

[droopsnoot]

The new legislation doesn't come into effect until May 2018, so it won't make any difference at all to putting a car back on the road tomorrow.

Fast-forward to next year, and I'd imagine what happens is you just go to the PO and tax the vehicle for free, then it goes back on the road. Their computer system will need to know that it should not check for MOT when the vehicle is MOT-exempt, though I'd expect another "flag" on the system because it cannot just check to see whether it's VED-exempt and use the same rule.

I'll ask around, I'm in a local forum group that has a lot of pre-60 vehicle owners, so I guess it'll be whatever they have to do now. But different, because pre-60 doesn't have any of the "not modified" conditions attached.

[Fred Dukes]

Who knows David could have been before 88 - think I will just keep my head down
If your on SORN Carl and you want to put it back on the road currently you will need the usual MoT and Insurance. Presumably when the legislation is passed and implemented and your car was built before 1978 you will only need Insurance

[edgoose1]

I note they say even if your car will be MOT exempt, you can still voluntary MOT it. Not a bad idea to have the brakes tested on rollers and other eye to look at the structure.

[Bob perry]

Usual Government bodge as far as I can see!!

What constitutes " substantially changed from the original". Does putting a 1256 engine in to a HA for example, or a V8 squeezed, or a mazda engine, in to an HC or Firenza count as modified.
What about Disc brake conversions or bigger/ fatter wheels?
Who is responsible for checking anyway??

I voted for continued MOT checks, just for peace of mind and safety reasons, and I will continue to do so, but I'm just watchful for all those old 'sheds' that might suddenly appear on the roads!!