New MOT exemption rules.

[B_Williams]

Just came across this on the Marlin Facebook group.
It looks like all kit cars now need an MOT, but I'm not sure when it kicks in

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/historic-classic-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria/historic-classic-vehicles-mot-exemption-criteria--2

[Patrick]

That's changed a bit, I was 40 years after a substantial change last I checked. EG SVA in 2007 + 40 years. However, it was very vague - this is much clearer. I'm still wondering if I'll get tax exemption in 2028 as the donor would be 40 years old then and the date of first reg on the V5 is 01/01/1988. I don't mind so much having the MOT done, but I pay a lot of road tax for few miles.

[B_Williams]

I've also just written to my MP about this, pointing out that my insurance policy requires an MOT if the vehicle needs one.
There's now a potential for people to be caught uninsured, whilst completely unaware.

The gist of my letter below; there was preamble, and other comments at the end.

N.B. I don't mind getting an MOT as I want a roadworthy vehicle.
However, had I not seen a post in a Marlin Owners group on Facebook, and subsequently specifically searched around elsewhere; (only GB News seemed to be covering it at the time), if I had gone out in the Marlin tomorrow, I'd be at risk of prosecution.
I've just booked an MOT, but no spaces at my local station for several weeks.

DVLA know I have several previously MOT exempt vehicles; they also have my phone number for texts, email address, and postal address.
Why haven't owners been informed as a matter of urgency?

This isn't a complaint about the change of regulations, but a complaint that I could inadvertently be breaking the law.
In my case, I believe my insurance requires me to have an MOT if the vehicle needs one, so I could even be at risk of driving uninsured.

This will affect many thousands of people, some of whom are your constituents.

[Patrick]

That is a very good point; I hadn't seen it from the other side of the MOT exemption wall. I'd not know about this either had you not posted about it. It would be straightforward for the DVLA to send an email and/or letter out to everyone with a vehicle that is affected.

[MOC Chair]

It does seem strange that this has not been widely publicised. I presume that next time the free road tax has to be renewed it will say that a MOT is required.

[B_Williams]

It does seem strange that this has not been widely publicised. I presume that next time the free road tax has to be renewed it will say that a MOT is required.

Indeed, that may be the case, but if relying on a perceived exemption at the moment, is the driver likely to be prosecuted if caught in the meantime?
This might be particularly pertinent, since some police cars appear to real time ANPI, intended for identifying vehicles uninsured or without current MOTs

[listerjp2]

I'm confused, my Marlin states its historic on the V5 have the rules changed for my car?

Adrian

[MOC Chair]

I think that we are all confused. Although your car is historic it may no longer be MOT exempt, but when you apply next time for your free road tax you will find out if it needs an MOT. It may be that any vehicle that is already exempt will remain so.
The new rules may only apply to new applications for MOT exemption.
If you were confused before, you are probably no less confused now!

( For some reason after a long absence, I am now able to login! )

[Patrick]

Confused does sum this up well.

You'd think the DVLA would be capable of setting out clear information rather than relying on people's interpretation.

I'm still not clear if I'll be able to switch to the historic exempt tax once the Sportsters donor is 40 years old in 2028 (the date of first reg on the V5 is 1/1/1988). The MOT every year it comes up with it being a 2007 when the SVA was and I need to explain that the emissions need to be tested pre-cat as the donor is a 1988. It's not a big deal normally and they'll test to those standard. It'll definitely need MOT based on the rules as written now, so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

[listerjp2]

I think that we are all confused. Although your car is historic it may no longer be MOT exempt, but when you apply next time for your free road tax you will find out if it needs an MOT. It may be that any vehicle that is already exempt will remain so.
The new rules may only apply to new applications for MOT exemption.
If you were confused before, you are probably no less confused now!

( For some reason after a long absence, I am now able to login! )

I have just renewed my tax and the system didn't mention that I now require MOT?

[listerjp2]

I have just renewed my tax and the system didn't mention that I now require MOT?

Read the on the DVLA site

What you have to do


You must apply for a vehicle tax exemption to stop paying vehicle tax. This is sometimes called putting a vehicle into the ‘historic tax class’.

You do not have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle each year. However, you must still keep it in a roadworthy condition.

As stated my Marlin has Historic status and I filled in the V112 I think

Adrian

[B_Williams]

I have just renewed my tax and the system didn't mention that I now require MOT?

Interesting; Presumably, nor did it give you the option to claim an exemption for MOT.
Before the rule change, I've had the tick box for some vehicles, but not others, and not the same vehicles every year; it seems random.
Marlin, Landrover modified under the now abandoned 30 year rule, and 3 motorcycles.

From the link in my first post ; I can't do a screenshot until the forum's mended. I've deleted some of the lines to save space.
I've just MOD'd the Berli today; my local tester hasn't been informed officially about any of this as far as he's aware.
He's got a classic himself, though original spec, and thus still exempt VED & MOT (as he had to inform the police last time he was stopped in it; they weren't aware of even that themselves)

Updated 10 March 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
MOT exemption eligibility

A vehicle does not need an MOT if:

it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago
no substantial changes have been made to the vehicle
Such vehicles are known as vehicles of historical interest (VHIs).

You will need to declare that your vehicle is exempt from the requirement for an MOT when you apply to tax it.
You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.

Your vehicle must have an MOT if it:

has been substantially changed
is a type or model of vehicle still in production
is a large vehicle being used commercially
has a registration number with a ‘Q’ prefix
is a kit car constructed from components from different makes or models
is a reconstructed classic vehicle (as defined by DVLA)
is a kit conversion where a kit body, chassis or monocoque is added to an existing vehicle, or vice versa
If you cannot confirm that a vehicle has not been substantially changed, you must not claim MOT exemption.

[listerjp2]

Interesting; Presumably, nor did it give you the option to claim an exemption for MOT.
Before the rule change, I've had the tick box for some vehicles, but not others, and not the same vehicles every year; it seems random.
Marlin, Landrover modified under the now abandoned 30 year rule, and 3 motorcycles.

From the link in my first post ; I can't do a screenshot until the forum's mended. I've deleted some of the lines to save space.
I've just MOD'd the Berli today; my local tester hasn't been informed officially about any of this as far as he's aware.
He's got a classic himself, though original spec, and thus still exempt VED & MOT (as he had to inform the police last time he was stopped in it; they weren't aware of even that themselves)

Updated 10 March 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
MOT exemption eligibility

A vehicle does not need an MOT if:

it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago
no substantial changes have been made to the vehicle
Such vehicles are known as vehicles of historical interest (VHIs).

You will need to declare that your vehicle is exempt from the requirement for an MOT when you apply to tax it.
You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.

Your vehicle must have an MOT if it:

has been substantially changed
is a type or model of vehicle still in production
is a large vehicle being used commercially
has a registration number with a ‘Q’ prefix
is a kit car constructed from components from different makes or models
is a reconstructed classic vehicle (as defined by DVLA)
is a kit conversion where a kit body, chassis or monocoque is added to an existing vehicle, or vice versa
If you cannot confirm that a vehicle has not been substantially changed, you must not claim MOT exemption.

Interesting, as my car has a registration date of 1978 and is shown on the V5 as such and it also has Historic status, also shown on the V5, but is also a kit car. Which statement do I use??

The plot thickens.

Adrian