This 1957 Austin Healey 100 will be exempt from MOT tests come November. Click to enlarge.
UK roads minister Mike Penning has announced that classic cars made before 1960 will be exempt from MOT tests starting the 18th of November this year.
The news rules for the tests, which check cars are safe to be on the road, will only affect 0.6% of the cars on Britain’s roads. Owners will still be legally required to keep their cars to an acceptable standard.
“Owners of classic vehicles will still be legally required to ensure that they are safe and in a proper condition but scrapping the MOT test for these vehicles will save motorists money,”said Penning. “They don’t need to be told to look after them, they’re out there in all weathers checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork.”
It’s an interesting idea, and it will save money and hassle for a few motorists, but it is causing quite a stir in the motoring community- even from those who own these cars. The lack of a safety check could mean old Land Rovers and Morris Minors (for example) which are totally unfit for road use being driven around.The minister’s wording also seems to exclude owners of 1960s classics- do they not look after their cars as well?
Perhaps it is not a scrapping of the MOT that is needed but a different test for older vehicles. What do you think? Join the debate in the comments below.
