MoT EXEMPTION FOR PRE-’60 CARS

The Department of Transport (DoT) announced on 21st May that from November 18th 2012 all pre-1960 cars will be exempt from the annual MoT test. The move comes following a positive public consultation on the proposal, but in the wake of criticism from classic car groups and road safety campaigners who would largely prefer to retain the test affecting 0.6% of licensed cars on the road. The onus for driving a road worthy pre-’60 vehicle legally now falls entirely on the owner:

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

According to the DoT pre-1960 vehicles are involved in 0.03% of road casualties and accidents and evidence states that the MoT failure rate declines after a vehicle is 13 years of age.

Our quick straw poll on Facebook and Twitter revealed a mixed reaction from Retro Cars readers…
 
Twitter: (via www.twitter.com/retrocarsmag)

@SamsterGTi
Not the best idea regards MoT regs! Testing safety is for a reason.

@Alex_the_Beard
Exempt or not cars have to be safe & road legal. All an MoT proves is that for 1 day in the past 12mths this was probably true
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@ClassicCarsHire
All taxed cars should be checked annually. Minimal use doesn’t mean they should be exempted, quite the opposite. Bad news
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@GroveAutoBody
MoTs on cars of that age are already relaxed. They check for structure, lights, pulls up straight and doesn’t belch smoke.

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Heath Scotchford
I’d rather all cars be tested, for me I’d want to know that my own car was road worthy and have a qualified mechanic check it over for my own peace of mind, not everyone that drives an old car knows how to maintain it!

Aaron Lawrence
Just because it doesn't need an MoT doesn't mean you can have an unroadworthy car on the road. If the vehicle is defective the police can stop you using the car.

Joel M Sacca
I see 'home restos' coming through my garage all the time. Full of bog, lethal brakes, terrible fuel supply. Tax exemption: yes, MOT exemption: no.

Don Macbeth
What about a free MoT test for all cars over 25 years old? Since we’re doing our bit for the environment by NOT throwing old cars away and recycling old parts!