Classic Cars & MOTs: Are They Truly Roadworthy?

The allure of a classic car is undeniable. The rumble of a vintage engine, the timeless design, the sheer joy of driving a piece of automotive history – it's a passion shared by many across the United Kingdom. However, beneath the polished chrome and nostalgic charm, a crucial question is gaining traction: are these cherished vehicles as safe on our roads as they ought to be? Recent data has cast a spotlight on the MoT exemption for older vehicles, revealing a surprising number of classics that, despite being voluntarily submitted for inspection, are failing to meet basic safety standards. This raises significant concerns and prompts a deeper look into the responsibilities of ownership and the future of classic car roadworthiness.

The MoT Exemption: A Controversial Shift

In May 2018, a significant change was introduced to vehicle regulations in the UK. The MoT exemption for classic cars was brought into alignment with historic vehicle tax (VED), meaning that any vehicle built more than 40 years ago no longer requires an annual MoT test. This exemption applies provided no 'substantial changes' have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years. The Department for Transport (DfT) justified this decision by asserting that historic vehicles are generally well maintained, used primarily for short journeys, and that the modern MoT test was no longer entirely relevant to cars of this age. While this rationale holds some truth, the underlying principle remains: owners are still legally responsible for ensuring their vehicles are kept in a roadworthy condition. Failure to adhere to this responsibility can result in a hefty fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points on your licence, highlighting the serious implications of neglecting vehicle maintenance, even for exempted classics.

Voluntary Testing: A Glimpse into Reality

Despite the legal exemption, a significant number of classic car owners continue to voluntarily submit their vehicles for an MoT test. Data obtained via a Freedom of Information request by BookMyGarage.com revealed that between January 2019 and June 2021, a staggering 121,204 classic cars aged over 40 years old underwent voluntary MoT testing. This willingness to test, despite not being legally obliged, points to a clear desire among many owners for peace of mind. For some, it's a cost-effective way to get a professional mechanic to inspect their vehicle's condition, providing reassurance for themselves or for prospective buyers who want to ensure their potential purchase is sound. However, the results of these voluntary tests tell a compelling, and somewhat worrying, story.

Unpacking the Failure Rates: Which Classics Are Struggling?

Of the classic cars voluntarily tested between 2019 and 2021, the average initial failure rate stood at 18.4 per cent. While this figure compares favourably to the typical initial failure rate of around 32 per cent for all Class 3 and 4 vehicles (cars, vans, and passenger vehicles with up to 12 seats), it still means that almost one in five classic cars, whose owners are proactive enough to seek a test, are failing to meet basic MoT standards. This is a statistic that cannot be ignored.

Delving deeper into the data reveals some surprising trends among specific marques:

Dodge vehicles, though few in number (only 143 tested), had the highest failure rate at over half (55.2 per cent). More significantly, popular European brands also showed high failure rates: 31.9 per cent of the 19,154 Volkswagens tested failed, and 24.6 per cent of the 8,817 Morris vehicles also fell short. Among the brands with the most tests conducted, MG saw a 20.8 per cent failure rate across 22,974 vehicles, with their historic rival Triumph close behind at 18.8 per cent from 15,494 examples. Other brands frequently appearing in the top 10 for failure rates included Reliant, Porsche, and Fiat.

Conversely, some renowned manufacturers demonstrated exceptional reliability with zero recorded failures. These included Bentley, Wolseley, Saab, Peugeot, Opel, Toyota, and TVR, indicating that meticulous maintenance and robust engineering can lead to enduring roadworthiness, regardless of age. Interestingly, DVSA data also indicated that newer classic cars were more prone to failure than their older counterparts, with vehicles from the 1970s being three times more likely to fail than those from the 1950s. The total number of historic vehicles tested also saw a 32 per cent decline compared to 2019, likely influenced by the pandemic.

The Untested Unknown: A Cause for Concern

It is crucial to remember that these statistics only reflect vehicles whose owners chose to have them tested. These are, arguably, the more diligent and conscientious owners, those who are already concerned about their vehicle's condition and actively seeking professional assessment. This raises a pressing question: what about the condition of the classic cars that are *not* submitted for voluntary tests? We can only speculate, but it is plausible that a proportion of these untested vehicles may be in a less than optimal state, potentially posing a greater risk on our roads. This 'unseen' segment of the classic car population is a significant part of the ongoing debate.

Industry Calls for a Rethink on Safety

The high failure rates among voluntarily tested classics have ignited calls from within the industry for a re-evaluation of the MoT safety exemption. Ben Field, Managing Director of Vintage Tyres, has been a vocal proponent of change, expressing his concerns on the firm's website. Field argues that the MoT, despite its perceived inconveniences, served as a vital "second pair of eyes and hands checking that everything was in order." He believes that simply removing the test because it wasn't perfectly suited for older vehicles was not the best solution.

Field's concerns are rooted in tangible observations. He reports a steep decline in the standard of tyres arriving for changing since 2017, and his colleagues in the industry are discovering serious mechanical and structural problems far later than they would if annual testing were in place to flag issues. He recounts a disturbing anecdote: a classic car recently brought in for new tyres, fitted with 40-year-old tyres (three radials, one crossply) that were visibly 'shot'. Furthermore, the car itself was riddled with body filler and, in his estimation, "one wet winter away from disintegration." This vehicle had just been sold for a five-figure sum without an MoT certificate, a scenario Field claims is "not untypical."

In response to these growing concerns, organisations such as the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) and the newly-formed Historic & Classic Vehicle Alliance (HCVA) are being urged to lobby the government for the introduction of a basic safety test for older vehicles. Additionally, proposals are being floated for insurance companies to collectively raise policy premiums for vehicles without an MoT in the interim, and for a mandatory valid MoT certificate to be produced for all classic vehicle sales, whether trade or private.

Should MoTs Be Mandatory for Classic Cars?

The question of whether MoTs or similar safety checks should be made mandatory for classic and historic cars was put directly to the public by the Department for Transport. Of the 1,083 responses received, 41% supported introducing either a full MoT or similar safety tests. This represents the largest proportion of votes cast, indicating a significant public appetite for a reconsideration of the current exemption. While the DfT's initial justification for the exemption focused on classic cars being well-maintained and used sparingly, the evidence from voluntary tests suggests that this assumption may not hold true for a substantial minority of vehicles. The debate continues, balancing the preservation of automotive heritage with the paramount need for road safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Car MoTs

Do classic cars need an MoT in the UK?

Vehicles built more than 40 years ago are generally exempt from annual MoT tests in the UK, provided no 'substantial changes' have been made to them in the last 30 years. However, owners are still legally responsible for ensuring their vehicle is roadworthy.

What is the 40-year MoT exemption rule?

This rule, introduced in May 2018, means that vehicles become MoT exempt once they reach 40 years of age from their date of manufacture. The exemption is automatic, but owners must declare their vehicle as 'historic' for tax purposes and confirm no substantial changes have been made.

Why do some classic car owners still get an MoT?

Many classic car owners voluntarily submit their vehicles for an MoT for peace of mind, to get a professional assessment of their vehicle's condition, or to reassure potential buyers about the vehicle's safety and roadworthiness.

What are the most common reasons for classic car MoT failure?

While specific data for classic car MoT failure reasons isn't detailed here, common reasons across all vehicles typically include issues with lighting and signalling, tyres, brakes, suspension, and steering. Given the age of classic cars, corrosion and structural integrity can also be significant factors.

Are classic cars safer than modern cars?

Modern cars are designed with significantly more advanced safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS, crumple zones) than classic cars. While classics are often well-maintained, their inherent design limitations mean they generally offer less passive and active safety than contemporary vehicles. The data suggests that even voluntarily tested classics have a notable failure rate for basic safety requirements.

What are the consequences of not keeping a classic car roadworthy?

Even if MoT exempt, driving a classic car that is not in a roadworthy condition can lead to a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points on your licence, and potentially more severe legal consequences in the event of an accident caused by vehicle defects.

What are industry bodies saying about classic car MoTs?

Some industry figures and organisations, such as Vintage Tyres' Ben Field, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), and the Historic & Classic Vehicle Alliance (HCVA), are advocating for a reintroduction of some form of basic safety testing for older vehicles due to concerns over high voluntary failure rates and potential safety risks.

Conclusion: Balancing Heritage and Highway Safety

The debate surrounding classic car MoT exemption is complex, balancing the cherished heritage of these vehicles with the undeniable imperative of road safety. While the current exemption aims to reduce burdens on owners of well-maintained classics, the data from voluntary MoT tests clearly indicates that a significant proportion of these vehicles are not meeting essential safety standards. This highlights the critical importance of regular, professional inspections and diligent maintenance, regardless of legal requirements. For owners, ensuring their classic is truly roadworthy isn't just about avoiding fines; it's about safeguarding lives, including their own and those of other road users. As the industry continues to lobby for change, the message remains clear: a classic car should not only look good but also be safe to drive.

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