SAFETY FIRST
Drivers brace for major rules change as classic cars face MoTs for the first time – could you be affected?
Respondents to a survey were quizzed on a range of motor issues
CLASSIC cars could face MOT tests for the first time to remain on UK roads.
At the moment, vehicles above the age of 40 are not legally required to undergo the annual safety check.
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This is provided that the motors have not been substantially modified from when they were new.
But more than two in five who responded to a Department for Transport (DfT) public consultation agreed that safety checks should be introduced for cars more than 40 years old.
The consultation, which had just over 1,000 respondents, asked whether MOTs or similar checks should be made mandatory for classic and historic cars.
Although no decision has been made, it is a sign the older vehicles could in future be subject to the checks.
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A total of 18 per cent said that a check that was the same or similar to a full MOT test would be necessary for older models.
One respondent to the survey said: “Yes an age and status-related ‘sympathetic’ style MOT would be useful, particularly for classic cars that are driven fairly regularly.”
A further 10 per cent of respondents recommended a basic check to determine whether a car is safe to travel on UK roads.
While 36 per cent said no change was needed, 41 per cent of the 1,083 responses said that classic or historic cars should undergo a full MOT or similar safety tests appropriate to its age.
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Eight per cent said that there should be MOT style-tests appropriate to age of vehicle, for example, some not needing to be emissions checked.
And 5 per cent thought that there should be ad-hoc inspections when a vehicle is used on the road or following major restoration.
A Government spokesman told that any plans for introducing new safety tests for classic cars would be announced in due course.
"The safety of our roads is our utmost priority, and all car owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicle meets the road safety and environmental standards," said the spokesman.
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"While classic cars do not need an MOT test, there are still a number of safety checks recommended for owners to undertake."
Every year car owners have to book in for an annual MOT test.
The Ministry of Transport test checks that vehicles meet legal road safety and environmental standards.
You can drive a car without an MOT to a garage, provided your certificate does not show a dangerous defect.
Aside from a test centre, it is illegal to drive your car elsewhere.
Previously, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has suggested classics should undergo some safety checks.
They warned models that have undergone "major restoration or repair" should be looked at by mechanics before being let out onto the road.
In a letter to the DVLA, the FBHVC previously explained: “There may be circumstances, for example, following major restoration or repair work, when a one-off safety check would be appropriate.
"This may need to be a more in-depth inspection than the MOT, possibly including some degree of dismantling to permit full access to all parts of the vehicle but, in common with the MOT, should assess the vehicle with reference to the technical standards applicable when it was new.”
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It comes after a motoring expert revealed the major car brand most likely to pass its MOT on the first try.
And a car whizz has slammed an MOT mechanic after they added dozens of advisories about his motor.
Full MOT checklist
THIS is the one-stop checklist that will make sure you are prepared to pass your next MOT.
Tyres and wheels - Look out for damage to the sidewall of your tyres and make sure they’re sufficiently inflated.
Use the 20p coin test to make sure your tyres have the right tread depth, which should be 1.6mm all the way around across the central three-quarters of the tread pattern.
The outer edge of a 20p coin will be completely obscured if the tread is deep enough.
Also, be careful space-saver spare tyres could catch you out in the test, so with standard tyres of the right type and size that fit properly before the test.
Lights - Check all of the car’s lights are working properly and are the right colour to pass an MOT test.
Have someone walk around the car and make sure they don’t flicker when tapped which could mean they need tightening or replacing.
This includes headlamps, parking lights, reversing lights, indicators, registration plate bulbs and, on more recent vehicles, daytime running lights.
Wipers and windscreen - Replace wipers that smear because they are probably worn out and top up the washer bottle.
Check your headlight washers if you have any.
Make sure there are no chips or cracks longer than 1cm on your windscreen and remove any stickers that could obstruct your view.
Number plates - Registration plates legally have to be in good condition, tightly fastened to the car and easily read from 20 metres away, so checking these is a must if you want to pass your MOT test.
Doors - Fix any broken doors or ones that don’t stay properly closed.
Front doors need to be openable from inside and out for safety reasons.
General condition - Make sure the exterior of your car is up to scratch.
Any sharp edges or pieces of metal sticking out could cause a danger to other road users and will definitely fail the MOT test.
Inside a car - Your dashboard will pop up with flashing warning lights if anything needs to be fixed under the bonnet like power-steering or brake-fluid warnings.
Make sure you have a fully functioning speedometer or you will fail the MOT test