MOT Exemption, is this the end for modified classics?

[dom1102]

MOT exemption rules will apply for classic cars over 40 years old from May 20th 2018. I am unsure what the process will be for Classic vehicles over 40 years old classed as having ‘substantial modifications’, such as upgraded engines? In most cases it seems these vehicles may not be allowed mot exemption due to any changes that make the vehicle specification substantially different from factory standard. Will this mean that modified classics could be gradually and effectively legislated off the road by having to be MOT tested against ever stricter emissions and safety MoT standards?

[Maulden7]

The criteria for substantial change :-

A vehicle will be considered substantially changed if the technical characteristics of the main components have changed in the previous 30 years, unless the changes fall into specific categories. These main components for vehicles, other than motorcycles, are :-
Chassis (replacements of the same pattern as the original are not considered a substantial change) or Monocoque bodyshell including any sub-frames (replacements of the same pattern as the original are not considered a substantial change);
Axles and running gear – alteration of the type and or method of suspension or steering constitutes a substantial change;
Engine – alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine and alternative original equipment engines are not considered a substantial change. If the number of cylinders in an engine is different from the original, it is likely to be, but not necessarily, the case that the current engine is not alternative original equipment.
The following are considered acceptable (not substantial) changes if they fall into these specific categories:
• changes that are made to preserve a vehicle, which in all cases must be when original type parts are no longer reasonably available;
• changes of a type, that can be demonstrated to have been made when vehicles of the type were in production or in general use (within ten years of the end of production);
• in respect of axles and running gear changes made to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance;
• in respect of vehicles that have been commercial vehicles, changes which can be demonstrated were being made when they were used commercially.

In addition if a vehicle (including a motorcycle) :-
• has been issued with a registration number with a ‘Q’ prefix; or
• is a kit car assembled from components from different makes and model of vehicle; or
• is a reconstructed classic vehicle as defined by DVLA guidance; or
• is a kit conversion, where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle, or old parts are added to a kit of a manufactured body, chassis or monocoque bodyshell changing the general appearance of the vehicle;
it will be considered to have been substantially changed and will not be exempt
from MOT testing.
However if any of the four above types of vehicle is taxed as an “historic vehicle” and has not been modified during the previous 30 years, it can be considered as a VHI.

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

[//j17]

dom1102 said:

Will this mean that modified classics could be gradually and effectively legislated off the road by having to be MOT tested against ever stricter emissions and safety MoT standards?

As it stands, no, not at all. It just means, like any classic over 40 years old that the owners hasn't activly exempted from the MOT test it will need to be MOTed. That MOT will be to the standards set out for a vehicle of that age, just as they are now and are likely to remain (new regulations don't tend to be back-dated as no vehicle built before the new regulation date can be extected to pass it, regardless of if it was built 50 years for 5 days before that regulation).

Over time the biggest risk is likely to be finding an MOT station, either at all (because manufacturers have conned people in to just renting, rather than buying their cars) or that can handle older cars, but that's some way off.

[Riley Blue]

//j17 said:

dom1102 said:

Will this mean that modified classics could be gradually and effectively legislated off the road by having to be MOT tested against ever stricter emissions and safety MoT standards?

As it stands, no, not at all. It just means, like any classic over 40 years old that the owners hasn't activly exempted from the MOT test it will need to be MOTed. That MOT will be to the standards set out for a vehicle of that age, just as they are now and are likely to remain (new regulations don't tend to be back-dated as no vehicle built before the new regulation date can be extected to pass it, regardless of if it was built 50 years for 5 days before that regulation).

Over time the biggest risk is likely to be finding an MOT station, either at all (because manufacturers have conned people in to just renting, rather than buying their cars) or that can handle older cars, but that's some way off.

I was about to replying saying much the same. There's no immediate threat to modified classics so those of us with cars that fall into that category can continue pretty much the same as at present. I take all my cars, classic and modern, to the same MOT Test Centre where each is inspected according to its age and appropriate test criteria.

Edited by Riley Blue on Friday 11th May 13:12

[dom1102]

Thanks for the replies, interesting that the government are making vehicles MoT exempt at all, ie what real benifit does this have for anyone? I have made some lengthy enquiries into what constitutes substantial modifications. It seems that this is a bit of a grey area, the DVLA (or whatever they call themselves now) do not want to get involved in the finer points and are instead asking owners clubs to advise and assist owners on aplying for a VH1 status.

[warch]

Some vehicles have always been MoT exempt, some classics (pre 1960) are already MoT exempt, there haven't been any serious issues to date.

[Riley Blue]

dom1102 said:

Thanks for the replies, interesting that the government are making vehicles MoT exempt at all, ie what real benifit does this have for anyone? I have made some lengthy enquiries into what constitutes substantial modifications. It seems that this is a bit of a grey area, the DVLA (or whatever they call themselves now) do not want to get involved in the finer points and are instead asking owners clubs to advise and assist owners on aplying for a VH1 status.

Not really a grey area, it's explained here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...

[sideways man]

I've a mk1 escort with a coswoth yb turbo engine, lots of suspension and brake mods.
And will continue to have it MOT'd as a safety precaution.
Maybe I could wangle the vehicle of historic interest angle, but for the minimal cost incurred I'm happy with the status quo.

[dom1102]

Specifically, in my case I am trying to figure out if a classic Land Rover fitted with a Rover V8 would fall into the substantially modified bracket considering the Rover V8 was actually fitted to Land rovers in period, admittedly in limited numbers. Nobody I have spoken to, inc DVLA, mot centres, LR club, Marque specialists, seems to be able to give me a definitive yes or no

[markymarkthree]

dom1102 said:

Specifically, in my case I am trying to figure out if a classic Land Rover fitted with a Rover V8 would fall into the substantially modified bracket considering the Rover V8 was actually fitted to Land rovers in period, admittedly in limited numbers. Nobody I have spoken to, inc DVLA, mot centres, LR club, Marque specialists, seems to be able to give me a definitive yes or no

Just get an MOT as normal then you and the rest of us will have nothing to worry about.
Unless the £25 is a problem.

[dnb]

I was chatting to my MOT tester last week about this, and the upshot is that some older vehicles may be affected, but not substantially old ones. The reasoning is like this: Things like airbag warning lamps, ABS warnings, check engine lamps etc are now all going to be "fail" items, whereas some of them were either not checked or just minor things. Now while this doesn't affect 40 year old cars, it does affect 20 year old cars - so potentially it could force them off the road for the lack of appropriate sensors and electronics that simply can't be sourced or easily repaired. So the really old cars will be fine, even modified ones provided everything works as it should when the car was new, but anything moderately old might have problems.

It's possibly going to make running a P38 Range Rover an expensive proposition!

[V8 FOU]

More worrying is that you need to apply for full exemption. One step away from black plate as in the US etc, then on to restricted use? Don't know...... It all sounds suspect to me. As in you don't get owt for nowt as far as the Govt is concerned.

[//j17]

V8 FOU said:

More worrying is that you need to apply for full exemption. One step away from black plate as in the US etc, then on to restricted use? Don't know...... It all sounds suspect to me. As in you don't get owt for nowt as far as the Govt is concerned.

You don't NEED to apply for ANY exemption, you can just continue taking your car for its annual safety check.

Personally I think the MOT exemption SHOULD come with limitations on use. If you've NEVER had ANYTHING picked up by the MOT man that ou'd not spotted then fine, maybe you should be able to self-certify the condition of your car. I don't think even the most dillagent classic car owner can probably say that though. I don't think I've ever spotted when one of my steering rack gaiters is starting to split for example. I mean when was the last time you actually did more than give yours a glance? The MOT man always picks them up though...