To be lawfully allowed on the road, most cars and motorbikes will need to pass an MOT test every year. That being said, there are certain exceptions to this rule, which it’s worth being aware of.
Vehicles can be exempt from an annual MOT test for several reasons, including factors like their age, power source and many others. If you think your car might not require an MOT test, check out the list of criteria for exemption below, and see if it meets any of the conditions.
The following vehicles do not require an MOT:
- Tractors don’t need an MOT, but owners must carry out their own roadworthiness tests before driving them on a public road.
- Any electric goods vehicles which were registered before March 1st 2015.
- Any brand new car or motorbike which isn’t yet three years old. You’ll need to check your V5 document for the vehicle’s registration date – once three years have passed since this date, you’ll need to arrange an MOT test as soon as possible.
- Buses, trailers and lorries do not require an MOT, but instead they must pass an annual vehicle test, which is a similar test that ensures road safety.
- Motorbikes that are more than 40 years old no longer require an MOT.
- Similarly, certain classic cars which are more than 40 years old no longer require an MOT, but there are some caveats to this, which we’ll go through below.
Classic cars and motorbikes are only exempt from an MOT if…
- You can prove that your classic car or motorbike is more than 40 years old, according to the vehicle registration date.
- They have not been subjected to “substantial changes” in the last 30 years – this includes major modifications to parts like the chassis, engine, axle and running gear, as well as certain elements of the body shell.
- However, if these substantial changes have been made in order to preserve the car or motorbike – for example, if original parts are no longer available, and contemporary parts have been used in repairs instead – your car will still be exempt from an MOT.
While classic cars and motorbikes don’t legally require an annual MOT test, you’re still obliged to keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition, for your own safety and that of other drivers. With this in mind, you might want to consider getting your car voluntarily tested every so often, to ensure that you’re aware of any issues. Check out our ultimate MOT checklist to find out what’s included in an MOT test.
How to file for an MOT exemption
If your car or vehicle meets any of the above criteria, you’ll need to fill in an official MOT exemption form on the government website. Historic vehicles like those described above are generally also exempt from vehicle tax; if this is the case, you still need to tax this vehicle, but it will be free to do so.
Always forgetting when your next MOT is due? If you’re caught driving an unfit vehicle, you can get three penalty points on your licence, and be fined up to £2,500. Never miss the window again with the new Euro Car Parts MOT reminder tool – we’ll prompt you in plenty of time, so you’ll be back on the road long before your last MOT expires.