No MOT's for Pre 1960 vehicles

"Cutting MOT red tape for classic vehicle owners
Publisher: Department for Transport
Published date: 21 May 2012
Type: Press release
Mode/topic: Roads

Classic vehicles will be exempted from the MoT test, Roads Minister Mike Penning announced today.

Classic and historic vehicles are often very well maintained by their owners and have a much lower accident and MoT failure rate than newer vehicles.

The current requirement to undergo an MoT test goes over and above the obligations set out in European legislation. Following a public consultation which showed high levels of support for the proposals, vehicles manufactured before 1960 will be exempted from the MoT test from 18th November 2012 reducing costs for owners.

Owners of affected vehicles will still be able to take exempt vehicles for an MoT test on a voluntary basis.

Mike Penning said:

“We are committed to cutting out red tape which costs motorists money without providing significant overall benefits. Owners of classic cars and motorbikes tend to be enthusiasts who maintain their vehicles well – they don’t need to be told to look after them, they’re out there in all weathers checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork.

“Owners of classic vehicles will still be legally required to ensure that they are safe and in a proper condition to be on the road but scrapping the MoT test for these vehicles will save motorists money.”

The response to the consultation is available.
Notes to Editors

Pre-1960 licensed vehicles make up about 0.6% of the total number of licensed vehicles in Great Britain, but are involved in just 0.03% of road casualties and accidents.
Evidence shows that the initial MoT test failure rate declines by the age of vehicle after the vehicle is 13 years old.
"



Opinions??

http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120521a

Bad really, the mot chaps usually find bits that I havent noticed that need doing, maybe a pre 1910 mot free as they dont need as much to get an mot.

And can see this causing more problems.

OK we all know most owners of pre 60's cars are enthusiast and probably service/look after their vehicle more than the average motorist.

I can see the "Free motoring" brigade jumping on the bandwagon and just running an old car because it means ' road tax' 'no maintenance / MOT' with the obvious death traps that the original MOT's were designed to eliminate.

Just needs a couple of accidents because of the cowboys to set the classic scene a bad name.

I think it would have been better to have the MOT for pre 60's every two or three years, and even a reduced rate due to a less demanding / technical test.

And as someone said this evening at the EC meet, a lot of pre 60 cars are hot-roded.

I've seen a Morris minor with 7ltr V8 shoehorned in, no MOT needed ? frightening.

Just worries me that we might end up like Belgium where they can only drive on Sundays and for special occasions.

~Lee

I can see an amazing amount of pre 60s cars suddenly appearing from entombed states magically back on the road with carnage lol

At least it will put paid to numberplate theft.

Unless they intend to change the rulings on numberplate transfer.