Guidance

Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT exemption criteria

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 in the last 30 years

This includes vehicles previously exempted on the basis of being first registered before 1960.

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 be roadworthy whether it is exempt or not, you may wish to voluntarily undertake an MOT test anyway.

Your vehicle must have an MOT if it:

• has been substantially changed
• 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 kit conversion where a kit body, chassis or monocoque is added to an existing vehicle or vice versa
• is a reconstructed classic vehicle (as defined by DVLA)

However, if a vehicle meeting one or more of these criteria is taxed as a ‘historic vehicle’, and it has not been modified during the previous 30 years, it is exempt from needing an MOT.

If you cannot confirm that a vehicle has not been substantially changed, you must not claim MOT exemption.

This guidance is only intended to determine the testing position of a substantially changed vehicle, not its registration.

Telling DVLA of changes made to a vehicle

There is a legal requirement to notify DVLA of any changes made to a vehicle which affects the information shown on the V5C registration certificate (log book) such as replacing the engine.

What counts as a substantial change

A vehicle alteration is a substantial change if the technical characteristics of the main components have changed in the previous 30 years, unless the changes fall into the acceptable alterations category.

The main components for vehicles, other than motorcycles are:

• chassis or frame: replacements of the same pattern as the original are not considered to be a substantial change

• monocoque bodyshell: of the same pattern as the original are not considered to be a substantial change (including any sub-frames)

• axles and running gear: alteration of the type or method of suspension and steering is a ‘substantial change’

• engine: alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine and alternative original equipment engines are not considered to be a substantial change

Further arrangements for motorcycles may be introduced, including if core testing standards are considered further internationally.

There are exceptions that do not count as substantial changes to the main components.

Acceptable changes: exemptions

It does not count as a ‘substantial change’ if:

• changes are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are no longer reasonably available
• they are changes of a type which can be demonstrated to have been made when vehicles of the type were in production or within 10 years of the end of production
• axles and running gear have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance
• changes were made to vehicles that were previously used as commercial vehicles, and you can prove the changes were made when the vehicle was used commercially
• engine – alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine, or alternative original equipment engines - where the number of cylinders is different, this is typically (but not always) non‑original equipment

Large vehicles

Some large vehicles are exempt from testing.

Large goods vehicles (vehicles more than 3.5 tonnes) and buses or public service vehicles (with 8 or more passenger seats) which are used commercially require a valid MOT certificate if:

• the vehicle has been substantially changed in the last 30 years
• it is a large goods vehicle and is used when laden or towing a laden trailer

Buses and public service vehicles

Buses and other public service vehicles used commercially are exempt if they are pre-1960 vehicles unless substantially changed.

Buses that are not public service vehicles over 40 years old are exempt if they meet the definition of ‘vehicle of historical interest’ (VHI).

Large goods vehicles

Unless they are substantially changed, large goods vehicles are exempt from testing, if they:

• were first used before 1960
• are currently used unladen

A small number of pre-1960 large goods vehicles may require testing.

If your goods vehicle has never been tested you may apply for a first test using a VTG1 application form.

Other testing exemptions

Separate exemptions from testing in full or parts of the test are also relevant to some old, large goods vehicles. For example, steam powered vehicles are exempt from testing.

Expert advice

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs has published a list of historic vehicle specialists who can help you understand if your vehicle is exempt.

The HCVA: Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance represents trade specialists and provides guidance.

Declaring your vehicle as exempt from the MOT

To declare your vehicle as exempt, you will need to complete the relevant form. You can find V112 forms for cars and V112G forms for large vehicles on GOV.UK.