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

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.

Your vehicle must be roadworthy whether it is exempt or not.

What counts as a substantial change

In general, a vehicle alteration is a ‘substantial change’ if the technical characteristics of the main components have changed.

The main components are the:

• chassis
• monocoque bodyshell
• axles and running gear
• engine

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

Exceptions - acceptable changes

The following types of changes are acceptable and mean a vehicle would still be exempt from the requirement for an MOT.

Changes made during production or commercial use

Changes that can be shown to have been made to vehicles of that type during production or within 10 years of production are acceptable.

Changes made to commercial vehicles that reflect modifications made when the vehicles were in commercial use are also acceptable.

If parts no longer available

Changes made to preserve a vehicle where original‑type parts are no longer reasonably available are acceptable. This includes changes to:

• axles or running gear to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance
• the chassis – replacements of the same pattern as the original
• a monocoque bodyshell (including sub‑frames) – replacements of the same pattern as the original
• engine – alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine, or alternative original equipment engines - if the number of cylinders is different, it is typically (but not always) non‑original equipment

Large vehicles

Large goods vehicles (vehicles more than 3.5 tonnes) or buses and 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
• 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’.

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

Some vehicles have specific exemptions, such as:

• steam-powered vehicles - fully exempt
• lorries over 3.5 tonnes - exempt from the metered emissions check
• spark‑ignition (petrol)

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.