Drivers brace for major rules change as classic cars face MoTs for the first time – could you be affected?

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. 

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.

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.

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.

"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.”

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.