Guidance

Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT exemption criteria

Check if an historic vehicle qualifies for an MOT exemption due to its age.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 20 May 2018
• Last updated: 10 March 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT exemption criteria

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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 it

Such vehicles are known as ‘vehicles of historical interest’.

This guidance explains the exemption criteria so you can understand if your vehicle needs to get an MOT or not.

Published 20 May 2018

Last updated 10 March 2026 + show all updates

1. 10 March 2026

   Added information about substantial changes.

2. 20 May 2018

   First published.