40 years old but not a VHI

[88v8]

Unless I am reading it wrong, only realised today that as of May my 1974 Land Rover Lightweight will not be a VHI.
Why?
Because like many ex-military vehicles it was not registered until demobbed, in this case 1983.
Previously the determining period was from the date of manufacture. Now it's from the date of first registration.
A marginal difference to most cars, a nine year difference to mine.
Huh.

V8

[InitialDave]

I think you are reading something wrong. If you are currently getting free VED, and it's not modified in the last 30 years, you should meet the requirements for VHI.

What does the 3. Special notes bit at the bottom of the first page on your V5C say regarding "DECLARED MANUFACTURED..."

[88v8]

Thanks.
I hope I'm reading it wrong however this from Hagerty
https://www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk/articles-and-re...
under What Constitutes 40 Years Old? says that the registration date will be key.

Mine is declared manufactured 1974, but it appears in future that will not matter, it will be treated as if 1983.

This will potentially affect all owner of ex-military vehicles, which seems unfair.

Also makes one wonder about these 'never registered' old cars that come up from time to time. Perhaps now they never can be.

V8

[mgtony]

Is your car already registered as Historic on the V5 and tax free?

That article states:

"What constitutes ‘40 years old’?

40 years from the day it was first registered. So, if a car was first registered on 31st May 1978, it could be exempt from 31st May 2018. This is a rolling date. Note that previously historic tax was from the date of manufacture, which could be significantly different."

That 78 car can't be registered as a VHI till April 2019 and only VHI's can be MOT exempt.

[InitialDave]

The article might say that, but I believe the official wording remains date of manufacture or registration, with a vehicle that can be shown to be dated earlier than first registration still counting as historic.

My Landie is also ex military, and similarly registered much later than it was built - but it's declared as the correct age and has the age related number plate and VED exemption to go with it.

I'm fully expecting it to be MOT exempt next month, and will certainly be posting about it if it is not!

[InitialDave]

Just phoned the DVSA, who confirmed it is the date of manufacture. So you should be fine.

[Pothole]

InitialDave said:

Just phoned the DVSA, who confirmed it is the date of manufacture. So you should be fine.

not sure why the OP couldn't do that. Not much drama attached, perhaps?

[mgtony]

If it was the case, then just sort it before the 20th May!

Seems you are going to have to declare your MOT exemption when you tax your car, what should you do if the two are many months apart? ie MOT exempt 20th May but tax not due for renewal till next Feb. Still just fill in a V112?

[88v8]

Pothole said:

not sure why the OP couldn't do that. Not much drama attached, perhaps?

Haha.
Perhaps because I attach more importance to what they write than what they say.

Well, I hope it's true. Next time I tax it, I'll come back and let you know.

V8

[InitialDave]

But you were reading what a third party wrote. Not the government or relevant agency.

[Gary C]

Ten years to wait until my car is free

Whats the bet that it changes before then?

[aeropilot]

My mate is currently in the process of compiling all the relevant info needed to get his 'Q' plated ex-mil 'lightweight' put onto an age related plate. He bought it 25+ years ago and off-roaded it and thus wasn't worried about the Q-plate. After sitting at the back of his garage for about 10 years, he decided to remove all the 'off-road' kit and restore it back to stock mil-config (fortunately he never 'cut' the body and he had retained and stored 95% of the mil bits he removed) and during the rebuild/restoration managed to locate and note all of the necessary serial numbers etc of the components so that he can get it manufacture dated and submit for age related plate (I think his is a 71 or 72?)

[markymarkthree]

Apparently if when your car, bike or small van is first registered as 40 years old, I believe the DVLA record will automatically show the vehicle to be MOT exempt. If when you next renew your vehicle tax you don't declare VHI your vehicle record will be updated to show that you need an MOT by the DVLA.
Also I believe the Police will treat every 40 year+ vehicle as MOT exempt until the record shows its not exempt.

[lowdrag]

Well, technically PC Plod should be up to date, but I wouldn't count on it if my experience is anything to go by. I find the question as to whether your car needs a current MOT when the new rules come into force confusing, even if the car is still taxed. I have phoned the DVLA, but I'll find out for sure on the 1st June if it works.

ETA:- After a struggle and a ping-pong game between the DVLA & DVSA I finally got the answer I have been looking for, If the MOT is out of date when you want to re-tax your car under the new rules you will not need a current MOT to do so. You will need to complete the form V112 but don't look for it yet because it still refers to pre-1960 cars and will be updated shortly. Then you fill that form in, take it to your nearest post office (can't be done on line) and get your tax, The form will then exempt you from future MOTs since your car will be registered as a VHI. HTH

Edited by lowdrag on Friday 27th April 11:12