Jump directly to the content

WHEELER Dealers star Mike Brewer has revealed that you don't actually have to pay for a pricey test before selling your car.

The TV host busted a common myth which could be costing Brits hundreds.

Mike Brewer revealed that you don't have to pay for an MOT before selling your car
3
Mike Brewer revealed that you don't have to pay for an MOT before selling your carCredit: Alamy
The check is 'not a legal requirement' for the sale
3
The check is 'not a legal requirement' for the saleCredit: Getty

Mike has bought and sold hundreds of motors in his time, many through his Discovery Channel series.

So after several decades in the industry, he knows a thing or two about how to go about the sale process.

One bill that's commonly associated with moving on your used car is an MOT test - but Mike revealed that you don't actually have to do one.

Asked by a fan on X whether he has to put the cars he restores through an MOT, he simply replied: "No, that's not a legal requirement."

READ MORE MOTORS NEWS

The test costs £54 a pop, plus the price of any repairs needed afterwards so it can add a real financial burden to the seller.

'Historic' loophole

Fortunately, there is no requirement for a car to be sold with a valid MOT.

The check is only needed to certify the vehicle as roadworthy, allowing to be driven legally in the UK.

So if you're selling yours for parts or to a scrapper, one isn't required at all.

Likewise, there is an MOT exemption for "historic vehicles".

These are motors registered more than 40 years ago on a rolling basis (so the current cut-off is 1983).

Wheeler Dealers' Mike Brewer waves goodbye to 'wonderful' Ford pick-up - and replaces it with 'jack of all trades'

Even if, as is often the case, the buyer does want to actually use it, you don't have to pay to have an MOT done.

Just make sure you let them know how long is left on the existing certificate or if it has expired so they know when to get it renewed.

It comes after a classic Jaguar dubbed an "icon" by Mike went up for sale for under £7,000.

Meanwhile, another motoring expert revealed the five easy hacks he used to make his boring £400 VW look "much more expensive".

A loophole also means cars over 40 years old never have to be certified again
3
A loophole also means cars over 40 years old never have to be certified againCredit: Getty
Topics